The Olayan Group has announced the opening of Little Birch, a new food and drink kiosk serving seasonal lunchtime fare in 550 Madison’s public garden. Little Birch will be overseen by Chef Solanki Roy of Great Performances, who is Executive Chef for The Arch amenity space at 550 Madison, which offers café and dining experiences for tenants of the newly repositioned Landmarked office tower located between East 55th and 56th streets in Midtown Manhattan.
Chef Solanki, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, has created a seasonal menu of salads, grilled sandwiches, smoothies and more. From healthy to indulgent, Little Birch’s offerings include a prosciutto and cheddar panini, chopped salad, quinoa tofu bowl, as well as caramelized banana pudding to name a few.
Little Birch’s menu reflects 550 Madison’s commitment to sustainability. A focus on quality produce from local farms, including Great Performances’ own organic Katchkie Farm in upstate New York. The menu will evolve throughout the year, just as the calendar of blossoms in the 550 Madison Garden changes with the seasons.
The landscaped Garden transforms a previously enclosed mid-block passageway into the largest green space built in Midtown East in 60 years. The 21,300-square foot Garden offers outdoor seating, gender inclusive public bathrooms, public Wi-Fi and three food and beverage kiosks – including the latest culinary destination, Little Birch.
Chef Solanki also oversees 550 Madison’s The Arch Café, which is exclusive to tenants and guests of the building. The bistro-style café offers breakfast and lunch to- go or served in the dining room. Chef Solanki also provides catering throughout The Arch’s conference rooms, as well as bespoke dining experiences at the chef’s table.
Chef Solanki brings to 550 Madison broad experience in palace hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, following classical culinary training in her native India, as well as in France and Spain. Chef Solanki has worked in the two-Michelin-starred Gaggan in Bangkok, Thailand, and the three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park in New York City. She also brought her culinary know-how to The Mark Restaurant by Jean-George and Cut by Wolfgang Puck.
“Chef Solanki’s distinctive menu combines robust international flavors with classic lunchtime fare,” said Erik Horvat, Head of Real Estate at Olayan America in a statement. “Her thoughtful approach to sourcing fresh, organic ingredients delivers diverse food offerings for the neighborhood as well as 550 Madison’s tenants.”
Great Performances, a woman-owned hospitality management company, operates The Arch amenity floor for tenants of 550 Madison Avenue. The space encompasses The Arch Café, an espresso and wine bar, and multiple private dining and conference rooms, including a library, screening room, billiards room and chef’s table with a dedicated kitchen.
The Arch Café accommodates 550 Madison’s roster of world-class tenants, including global insurance giant Chubb, private investment firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice, luxury brand Hermès, global specialist investment firm Corsair Capital LP and investment advisory firm Junto Capital. Olayan also recently completed an agreement with Simon Kim’s Gracious Hospitality Management for a multi-faceted new restaurant concept in the base of the building.
