THE LIBRARY BAR OPENS A NEW CHAPTER Beloved Bar at the Warwick Melrose Hotel Re-Opens With New Décor and New Menu
DALLAS (March 28, 2008) – After a short time “out of circulation,” The Library Bar at the Warwick Melrose Hotel has re-opened with all-new menu selections and an enhanced décor that deliver on Warwick International Hotels’ president Richard Chiu’s vision of enhancing the international profile of this iconic Dallas property.
The Library Bar renovation is the first of several changes planned at the hotel over the next several months, including multi-million dollar improvements to guest rooms and suites aimed at recapturing the old Hollywood glamour of the property, which was originally built in 1924. Warwick International Hotels, based in Paris, includes over 40 luxury hotels around the world with six being in the United States. The Company acquired the Melrose Hotel in 2007, calling Dallas a “gateway city” to other key business and destination markets.
“In The Library Bar, we’ve been entrusted with both a real piece of Dallas history and a contemporary favorite,” said Mr. Chiu. “With The Library Bar, and with all of our upgrades to the Melrose, we will maintain the most beloved features while bringing in some new surprises to delight our guests as well as our regular patrons.”
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The new Library Bar menu is the first taste of culinary changes being crafted by the Warwick Melrose’s new Chef, Jeff Moschetti, who most recently was with Stephen Pyles at Hotel ZaZa. The menu nods to the hotel’s roots with dishes like a Texas Venison Chili accompanied by Jalapeno Corn Muffins, while bringing in international flair with items like a Global Raw Bar, which offers seafood dishes from a variety of cultures. Fifteen different items will be featured, ranging in price from $8 to $18.
My staff is so excited about the new menu that the sous chef comes in 90 minutes early – he can’t wait to get started on the next thing,” laughed Chef Moschetti. “There’s more ‘visual edge’ and more flavor in what we’re presenting now.” The Library’s full selection of beer, fine wines and spirits will continue to be poured, and several new signature drinks are in development.
THE DÉCOR
The Library Bar décor has also been re-envisioned and updated, while maintaining the classic and comfortable atmosphere that has earned a devoted following of regular patrons. “When you walk through the doors, there’s no doubt you’re in The Library Bar,” said the hotel’s general manager Larry McAfee. “The soul of the establishment remains intact, but we’ve added some fresh and contemporary touches that bring a great new energy.”
The most striking feature in the new Library Bar is the brand-new “blue bar,” crafted of a semi-precious stone called Lapis lazuli (Blue Lapis). Lapis has been long used to make amulets, ornaments and jewelry beginning as early as the ancient Egyptians. Wood paneling, faux painted to resemble mahogany, an Asian tapestry carpeting in dark blues and red with contemporary splashes of yellow and leather seating provide a rich backdrop for the cool blue marble.
“Of course, we put casters on the chairs and sofas because people at The Library Bar love to move the seats around to facilitate conversation,” said McAfee. Custom-designed oversized light fixtures with shades in a subtle zebra-striped pattern add a quiet touch of whimsy. A grand metal and glass group table, which can accommodate six to 12 guests, and bar stools, finish the furnishings.
The baby grand Yamaha piano will be returning to its place of honor in The Library Bar, which is regularly cited as one of the city’s best piano bars. The Library Bar offers live music nightly.
The Library Bar décor was designed by Duncan Miller Design, which has created striking interiors for numerous U.S. and international properties like Hotel ZaZa (Dallas and Houston), Fish Club Restaurant by Todd English and the Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman. Co-owner Taylor Duncan led the project with partner Kimberly Miller and senior designer Mary Vining.
“Going to a hotel bar is much more typical of a European or East Coast lifestyle – it’s not something we do a lot here in the South,” said Duncan. “The Library Bar is the real exception to that in Dallas, and I think it’s going to be more popular than ever.”
FACT SHEET: THE LIBRARY BAR AT THE WARWICK MELROSE HOTEL
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Located off the lobby of the Warwick Melrose Hotel at 3015 Oak Lawn Avenue and Cedar Springs. The Warwick Melrose was named a historic landmark in 1983. The hotel first opened in 1924. It has received the prestigious Four-Diamond AAA rating.
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Open seven days a week from 2 p.m. until after midnight (closing time varies)
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Named “The Top Place to Sip and Sup” by the Wall Street Journal, “Best Bar in the Greatest City on Earth” by Maxim magazine and consistently named one of Dallas’ best piano bars
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Full-service bar offers an extensive variety of martinis and wines by the glass and bottle
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New bar menu created by Chef Jeff Moschetti and staff of the hotel’s award-winning Landmark Restaurant, one of only 10 restaurants in Dallas to have earned the Four-Diamond AAA rating
“The Landmark Burger” featuring Akaushi Beef, served with B & B pickles and Sea Chips or Fries
Stuffed Potato Skins Three Ways: Apple Wood-Smoked Bacon with Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese Salmon Gravlox with Chive Crème Fraiche and Caviar Three Cheese with Caramelized Shallots and Thyme
Global Raw Bar:
Scallops with Orange Macerated Fennel and Tangerine Oil
Pacific Ono with Watermelon, Smoked Sea Salt and Cucumber
Swordfish with Rosemary Infused Olive Oil and Meyer Lemon
Scottish Salmon with Avocado, Watermelon Radish and Charred Tomato
Tuna Poke with Candied Kumquat and Black Sesame Dust
Yellowtail Sashimi with Seaweed Salad and Yuzu
Five Spice Calamari with Asian Greens
Poached Jumbo Prawns with Preserved Lemon and Fiery Red Sauce
Gingered Chicken Pot Stickers with Ponzu
Grilled Flat Bread with Proscuitto, Fig and Goat Cheese
Global Cheese Plate with Local Honey Comb and Fruit Bread
“Pick up Sticks” – Tasso Ham & Shrimp, Spring Roll with Dipping Sauce
Texas Venison Chili with Jalapeño Corn Muffins and All The “Fixins”
CONTACT: Susie Lomelino, Karla Neely or Danielle Bickelmann 214.521.8596 slomelino@mbapr.com, kneely@mbapr.com, dbickelmann@mbapr.com
