Excitement is bubbling in West Palm Beach as The Nora District, the city’s newest and most vibrant pedestrian-friendly destination, gears up to unveil Pastis, the legendary Parisian-style brasserie by the acclaimed James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr. As the crown jewel of The Nora Hotel’s ground-floor dining, Pastis promises to be a cornerstone of this dynamic new district.
Stephen Starr, the mastermind behind STARR Restaurants, is not only bringing Pastis to The Nora Hotel but is also set to craft the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and lounge, along with operating in-room dining services. This marks Pastis’s fourth location, joining its celebrated outposts in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Washington D.C., and Miami.
The Nora Hotel, a chic 201-room boutique property, is a joint venture between BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson. BD Hotels, renowned for their iconic New York properties like The Greenwich, The Bowery, and Hotel Chelsea, is bringing its expertise to West Palm Beach with this new venture. The Nora Hotel represents BD Hotels' second collaboration with Wheelock Street Capital, following the successful relaunch of Hotel Chelsea in 2023.
Richard Born, owner of BD Hotels, expressed his enthusiasm: “Nora is all about exceptional hospitality. The Nora Hotel will be the heart of this district, blending world-class service with stellar food and beverage experiences. We’re thrilled to welcome Pastis, one of the country’s most celebrated bistros, as our anchor.”
Pastis West Palm Beach will be a significant addition, taking up 13,300 square feet of The Nora Hotel’s ground floor. This space will include both indoor and outdoor seating, designed to transport diners straight to a classic Parisian brasserie. With its iconic curved zinc bar, crisp white subway tiles, and striking red banquettes, Pastis promises to deliver a taste of Paris right in West Palm Beach.
Guests can look forward to savoring Pastis’s renowned fare, including French Onion Soup, Escargots, Tuna Carpaccio, and Warm Shrimp Salad. The menu will also feature an array of traditional Steak Frites, Moules Frites, Duck Confit, Chicken Paillard, and Grilled Branzino. Signature cocktails like the St. Tropez Spritz, Lady Marmalade, and the whimsical Le Petit Pickle mini martini will add a splash of French flair to the experience.
Stephen Starr shared his excitement: “Since opening Pastis in Miami, we’ve received an overwhelming response from locals asking for a West Palm Beach location. With The Nora District, we’re excited to make that dream a reality. Collaborating with Richard Born and his team is a thrilling opportunity, and we can’t wait to be part of this extraordinary project.”
The Nora District, developed by NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital, is set to breathe new life into Downtown West Palm Beach. The first phase, which broke ground in June 2023 and is scheduled for completion in early 2025, will transform turn-of-the-century railway warehouses into vibrant retail spaces celebrating both local and national talents. This phase will also feature over 55,000 square feet of premium office space.
As Downtown West Palm Beach evolves, Nora is poised to become the epicenter of dining, arts, and culture. Confirmed retailers include Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, H&H Bagels, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, The Garret Group, Juliana’s Pizza, Celis Juice Bar and Café, Del Mar Mediterranean Restaurant, Sana Skin Studio, Mint, The Spot Barbershop, [solidcore], and Sunday Motor Co., with even more exciting additions on the horizon.
With Pastis leading the charge, The Nora District is set to redefine West Palm Beach’s culinary and cultural scene, making it the must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri on
Leave A Comment