After a considerable delay (it was originally slated to open in time for last year’s Christmas parties), Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva of Butter (plus their 1 Oak partner Ronnie Madra) are finally taking reservations for the Darby’s opening night this Wednesday. It opens just a stone’s throw from the Bunker (which gets some love from the Post today) and has already drawn a similar array of celebs: For starters, John Mayer took the stage during Gerard Butler’s birthday dinner and Chris Rock got on the mike during Beyoncé’s bash.
Alex Guarnaschelli won’t be revealing her menu until Wednesday, but as you can see by clicking through our slideshow of the throwback 100-seat dining room (designer Steve Lewis’s attempt to recapture the glory of Nell’s), food is definitely the focus here, even if there is a six-piece house band and a Mistress of Ceremonies, Lady Rizo. (Needless to say, there are also D.J.’s, fancy cocktails, and a downstairs lounge for private parties.) In addition to a raw bar and house charcuterie, there’ll be old-school entrées like Lobster Newberg and (as you can see in the slideshow) Grilled Creekstone Farms Tomahawk Steak with maitre d’ butter. Dinner is served Sunday through Saturday from 5 p.m. till midnight.
The Darby, 244 W. 14th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-242-4411
