Sotheby's Marcel Restaurant Opens in Breuer Building with Art-Inspired Menu

Marcel, a new restaurant on the Upper East Side, opened on April 17 within Sotheby's new headquarters at the Marcel Breuer building. Chef Marie-Aude Rose leads the kitchen, describing the menu as "continental" with French technique and Hungarian influences like chicken paprikash, reflecting the architect's background. The design duo Roman and Williams created the space featuring walnut-paneled walls, an open kitchen, and a separate pâtisserie. Wine comes from Sotheby's collection, allowing diners to purchase bottles they taste. Rose cites Claude Monet's Giverny home as inspiration for dishes like lobster with turmeric sauce, imagining meals that might belong on the menu. She notes New York diners often request customizations unlike Parisian patrons who accept menus as presented. The restaurant's name nods to both architect Marcel Breuer and artist Marcel Duchamp, currently featured in a MoMA retrospective. Pastry chef Rae Gaylord, who previously worked with Rose at La Mercerie, oversees the pâtisserie offering pastries and viennoiseries. The establishment aims for a classic brasserie feel with adaptable dishes, including a "Que voulez-vous" section for personalized meat or fish preparations.