Issue link: http://janet.uberflip.com/i/1531206
Bringing A Taste of a taverna to Warwick's downtown restaurant scene, Michael Tzezailidis tapped his Greek roots as inspira3on for the menu and the building's rich architecture for its aes- the3c for his latest launch, The Fed of Warwick. Within over 35 years of hospitality experience, "upstate" was a welcomed next fron3er for the owner of Hudson Yard's Death Ave and Taqueria on Tenth. As its name alludes, The Fed was formerly a bank. The fortress of the building, which dates back to 1900, exudes a grand presence unlike any other in the area. With soaring 30-# ceilings, 20-# windows and ornate details like original crown molding that was painstakingly restored and repli- cated throughout the space, the look and feel of The Fed is upscale urban and could just as easily be at home in the Big Apple as opposed to Orange County. "The original plan was to buy a farm and build a brewery," recounts Tzezailidis who discov- ered Warwick on an apple picking excursion from New York City. "But when I saw that this building was for sale, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up." He purchased the building. The build out was exten- sive. Transforming a historic bank building and changing its use to a restaurant was no easy feat which included removing vaults, breaking through massive concrete walls and unearthing architec- tural gems like the ornate original ceiling that had been hiding under a 1990s drop ceiling. Now the glimmer of gold bars shine from inside the por3on of the main vault that was preserved, and the artwork pays homage to the building's bank his- tory with abstract images of money and the presidents. In the upstairs private party room, a portrait of Abe Lincoln comprised of pennies shines with a pol- ished copper hue and George Washington looks out across the dining room from a deconstructed dollar bill. Back of house, the kitchen now stands where the main vault once was, which was a very challenging change of use consider- The Pasta Santorini is topped with a whole langos3no, which is not o#en seen Stateside. HOOK 11