From the creators of NY's Stanton Social and chef Chris Santos who brought global street food to modern nightlife, Beauty & Essex goes a step further in merging sophisticated food with fun nightlife. The space means business, a turn-of-the-century townhouse on the Lower East side has been reconfigured into a series of drawing rooms called the Vault and Grand room for quaff private dining and soirées in addition to the main dining room inspired by the jewelry stores of old complete with its own on-site vintage jewelry store. Exposed brick walls, pounded tin ceiling strewn with intricate crystal chandeliers and tufted upholstered furnishings like a series of freestanding booths bring an elegant and intimate vibe ideal for late-weekend dining with plenty of people watching.
The Food
Family-style dining with an emphasis on small-plate creations is the name of the game at Beauty & Essex, led by chef Chris Santos who creates a playful menu ideal for late night dining. Raw bar selections include sashimi of tuna with crunchy chorizo, tomato tartare and shrimp tempura cocktail. More Spanish-style tapas include an array of pan con tomat with various toppings or heartier appetizers like salt and pepper shrimp, lobster tacos, slow-roasted pizzettas and braised short-rib tamales. Four custs of grilled meats include a bone-in ribeye with truffle hollandaise sauce and accompaniment of sides like crispy hominy and creamy mascarpone polenta.
Last Word
Stealth visitors should stake out the second entrance that leads directly to the upstairs lounge where much of the weekend nightlife happens.
