"Boulud’s vision for Le Pavillon—named for a French restaurant that originated at the 1939 New York World’s Fair and went on to become a Manhattan stalwart from 1941 to 1971—was 'to create an oasis of peace and harmony,' he told me, 'in contrast with the location, which is very bustling.' Indeed, the showpiece of the space, a welcoming square bar—cutely named Bar Vandy, presumably to signal a shift, for Boulud, to a more carefree, fun atmosphere—is privy to a spectacular view of Grand Central Station, its taxi stand, and the glittering Chrysler Building. A fanciful blown-glass chandelier, by the artist Andy Paiko, drips from the room’s cathedral ceiling; a grove of olive trees and verdant plants line the long, hushed dining room’s banquettes and walkways." - Shauna Lyon
