I have tickets to see RuPaul at Town Hall on the night that beloved New York City eatery L’Artusi unveils its exclusive new Greenwich Village private dining space. This seems somehow appropriate as the L’Artusi Supper Club is located on NYC’s Christopher Street, which—much like the Supermodel of the World—is an iconic part of LGBTQ+ community history. Also much like Ru, the area has seen quite the glow up over the years.
The space is located around the corner from L’Artusi—which is on West 10th between Bleecker and Hudson. The restaurant’s reputation for top-notch Italian-inspired cuisine keeps its 110 tables in demand. However the problem, owner and operating partner Kevin Garry tells me, is that they were receiving hundreds of requests per month for a small number of private dining availabilities. The solution: seek out a nearby space where to extend the same quality of food and hospitality. Today, they call it L’Artusi Supper Club.
Designing a Private Dining Space with the Feel of a Luxurious Train Car
Designer Elizabeth Bolognino shapes signature residences for musicians and celebrities. She even works on international projects with Ralph Lauren. As she thought about this private dining space, she looked to historic culinary figure Pellegrino Artusi—for whom L’Artusi is named. After following his guidelines to be “passionate, careful, and precise,” Bolognino and her staff are evidently excited about the results.
Visually, the space owes much to the idea of a luxurious train car. An elaborate ceiling reinforces the effect—rising to a mirror that runs the length of the room. Bolognino informs me that this also helpfully hides ugly-but-necessary HVAC equipment.
Perhaps paradoxically, the choice to emulate the design of an inherently narrow train car helps make the places feel spacious. It delivers the illusion that someone has created a train with an aisle wide enough for a dining table that seats thirty—plus ample ambling room on either side. Meanwhile, the explosively colorful bathroom largely sets aside the train illusion—an exception that proves the rule.
Art, Details, and Demilunes
And just as a train trip across Europe might pass through multiple countries, Bolognino sought inspiration from a variety of sources. The art includes paintings that she calls out for having the quality of light of the Old Dutch Masters, and there is a stunning blood orange mosaic by Ukrainian artisans. Elements such as custom tiles in a variety of soft colors and brass bar accents call to mind Italy. Meanwhile, Bolognino calls the wine-colored wainscotting a nod to the tastes of young people today.
In addition to feeling substantial, butcher block tables continue L’Artusi’s tradition of incorporating kitchen materials inventively throughout a dining space. Meanwhile, the leather-wrapped demilunes are sensational. They not only deliver great design flourishes all along the chair rail but also fold out to offer minglers a convenient resting spot for beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
What’s on the Private Dining Menu?
This special debut evening, the comestibles on display are both beautiful and delectable. L’Artusi Supper Club serves thoughtfully curated offerings beyond what diners will find on L’Artusi’s regular menu—often with roots in multiple Italian regions. Interested parties can get a taste at the space’s regularly scheduled events. These meals bring guests together for communal dining experiences at an elegant, long table. Executive chef and partner Joe Vigorito and his team highlight seasonal themes as they take diners on culinary journeys. An exclusive guest chef series of events offers opportunities for new flavors, as well.
Even with an exciting evening ahead, I can’t help but imagine taking a return trip soon aboard this magical private train car. And though I can’t say for certain what RuPaul would think of the L’Artusi Supper Club, I can certainly picture him presenting the team behind it a resounding, “You better work.”
Photography by Adam Macchia Photography with styling by Jeanne Rene Lamson & Hannah Gould.
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