Maison Nur Overcomes Clubstaurant Cliches With Refined Food on the Bowery

"Nur Khan has run nightclubs around New York, from Sway and Rose Bar to Tao Downtown and Butterfly Soho, for decades. A glance at Maison Nur, the new Lower East Side place that he opened in June (217 Bowery, at Rivington Street) had me expecting another classic clubstaurant - thumping music, mediocre and expensive food, scenesters getting bottle service - which is not my idea of a great time out."

"Khan, however, insists that he's going beyond club vibes to focus on cuisine first. "I put everything into this place," he says. He brought in executive chef Richard Farnabe, a Paris native who had cooked at acclaimed New York restaurant kitchens, such as Daniel, Jean-Georges, Picholine, and Petrossian. When it came to the food, Farnabe explains, "The idea is to bring Upper East Side food to the Lower East Side.""

"Khan cites Raoul's, which he calls his favorite restaurant, as a key inspiration. Given his background and his lively personality - diners at Maison Nur are likely to see him hanging out at the bar, wearing a vest, tattoos showing, and a bottle of beer in hand - the restaurant can't help but have at least a bit of a nightclub feel to it."

"The vibe: It's obvious upon stepping through the plush curtains and into the restaurant that no expense has been spared here. The first things that catch your eye are two large mandalas, one behind the bar and one on the opposite wall, made out of real butterflies by Turner Prize-winning artist Damien Hirst. And yes, there's a third one that decorates the downstairs lounge, all of them coming from Khan's personal collection."

Nur Khan opened Maison Nur in June at 217 Bowery on the Lower East Side. Khan prioritized cuisine by hiring executive chef Richard Farnabe, a Paris native with experience at Daniel, Jean-Georges, Picholine, and Petrossian. Farnabe described the menu goal as bringing Upper East Side food to the Lower East Side. The dining room combines upscale finishes and nightclub-inflected energy; Khan's presence contributes to a lively bar atmosphere and a planned downstairs lounge with a separate entrance, custom sound system, and DJ/live music setup. The space features multiple mandalas made of real butterflies by Damien Hirst from Khan's personal collection.

Read at Eater NY