Greenwich Village’s “Champagne Empress” To Build Luxurious New Caviar And Cocktail Lounge

The Nightlife Hitmaker behind Air's Champagne Parlor is planning a luxurious new three-story concept.
Photo: Google Earth Pro

Good morrow, fellow New York A-Listers. It’s time to break out your finest weekend outfits, as one of Greenwich Village’s favorite queens of nightlife is getting ready to develop a luxurious new champagne lounge concept for the neighborhood.

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Ariel Arce is a well-known NYC based restaurateur and resident champagne expert. Known by many as the “Champagne Empress of Greenwich Village” and the “Nightlife Hitmaker,” Ariel has brought to life iconic spots like Tokyo Record Bar, Air’s Champagne Parlor, Niche Niche, and Special Club. A Hells kitchen native, Ariel focuses on developing restaurant concepts that embody her philosophy that going out in New York should always inspire conviviality, human connection, discovery, and be affordable.

Ariel first earned her stripes working at The Office in Chicago and at Pops for Champagne, the “oldest family-operated champagne bar in America.” She eventually moved back home to New York to serve as wine director for Birds and Bubbles and Riddling Widow. Considered a thought leader and tastemaker in New York’s wine, dining, and entertainment scenes, Ariel has even written her own book on the subject.

Now, Ariel is getting ready to apply her expertise to a brand new concept of her own design. The new concept, which is called The Residence + Cavi-AIR Cafe, is a partnership between Ariel and Vlocity co-founders Mark Armenante and Young Sohn. The concept is described as a three-floor establishment in which the first floor will feature “a seated dinner series with a weekly rotating guest chef who will craft and create their own multi-course prixfixe menu ranging from $60-$85.” The second floor of The Residence will feature a deli goods alimentari that will offer caviar for tasting and/or purchase. The third floor meanwhile will host an “intimate caviar and champagne lounge with cafe-esque seating.” Together, all three floors will be united by Ariel’s singular vision for an establishment that brings people together for an unforgettable New York experience.

The Residence + Cavi-AIR Cafe is expected to open up at 357 West Broadway, in SoHo between Broome Street and Grand. The location is home to a rather adorable (and historic) three-story building that was constructed some time around 1825. The space had been home to popular restaurants like Ukrainian kitchen and Via Dei Mille but has been vacant since 2017. The charming building is well-suited to meet Ariel’s vision and offers a total of 3,478 square feet of space across its three floors.

Additionally, The Residence + Cavi-Air Cafe intends to use its beverage program to highlight wine with bubbles, and plans to serve champagne and sparkling wine, as well as their cocktail counterparts. Ariel and her team are currently in the process of acquiring a new liquor license for the space, and they are proposing operating hours of 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM every day, seven days a week. While The Residence is still too early into development to have its own social media presence, you can follow Ariel on Instagram for further updates. If you’re curious about learning more about the wonderful world of caviar, you can also try it out and have it shipped directly through Ariel’s website.

Jake Rogers

Jake Rogers

Jake Rogers is an author and playwright based out of Brooklyn, New York. A lively performer who is deeply passionate about history and literature, outside of his reporting he also produces short films and plays with his theatre troupe, the LSTC. He is currently producing a web series about a butterfly and moth who are roommates that will be released later in the year.
Jake Rogers

Jake Rogers

Jake Rogers is an author and playwright based out of Brooklyn, New York. A lively performer who is deeply passionate about history and literature, outside of his reporting he also produces short films and plays with his theatre troupe, the LSTC. He is currently producing a web series about a butterfly and moth who are roommates that will be released later in the year.

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