Even before it opens its doors to the public tonight, the New York outpost of London’s Le Caprice has hosted an impossibly chic crowd. It didn’t hurt that Anna Wintour did all the inviting the first night, and that proprietor Richard Caring also happens to own London’s Ivy (along with Annabel’s, Harry’s Bar and Mark’s Club). Some of the notables to get a sneak peek during five days of invite-only previews: Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Anthony, Martha Stewart, Alan Cumming, Christian Louboutin, Cynthia Rowley, Princess Firyal and Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey.
The Food: International brasserie fare
The Design: An elegant black-and-white deco room studded with ’60s-era David Bailey photos of Jean Shrimpton
Sample Dishes: Salmon fish cake with buttered spinach and sorrel sauce ($20); char-grilled veal chop with sautéed chanterelles and pea shoots ($38); Thai baked sea bass with fragrant rice ($29)
Sample Dessert: Fig tart with orange ripple ice cream ($9); baked chocolate pudding soufflé ($10)
Sample Drinks: Classic cocktails and wine
The Crowd: Men draped in cashmere scarves and many women named Fiona
The Tunes: Live piano music
The Deets: 2 E. 61st St. in The Pierre hotel; 212-940-8195
– Beth Landman