Designer Ralph Lauren is becoming a restaurateur for the first time at the age of 75. A Bronx native, born Ralph Lifshitz, who brought the world fashion fantasies about gentlemanly sports and equestrian pursuits is opening a Polo Bar a stone’s throw away from the flagship store at 5th Avenue and 55th Street, as reported by the New York Times.
While dining trends have moved downtown and toward the more complex offerings (ie. artistry on a plate) Ralph Lauren doesn’t mind if his restaurant is a bit “old fashioned, ” with basic yet elegant offerings like crab cakes, corned beef sandwiches and steaks.
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The interior of the Polo Bar reflects the spirit of the fashion brand, with a whole lot of wood, equestrian pictures, amber light and lots of green.
Lauren told the New York Times, “I’m about longevity. I’m about timeless. It was not my idea to be trendy. I don’t want to be the hot restaurant. I want to be the restaurant you go to twice a week.”
Drew Nieporent, New York restaurateur, said, “I think there is a certain diner who will gravitate toward what he’s going to offer. If they launch this thing correctly, it could be a big winner in New York.”
