Sometimes you just get excited about the little things, for instance when you think you’ve done all the whisky venues in NYC or all the cool craft cocktail spots, a new big surprise comes along and excites you once again. I am talking about the new venue in NYC opening up July 2017, the Oscar Wilde Bar. The mere decor cost the company more than $4million dollars, so you know this place will impress. We spoke to Denise Prykanowski, Director of Beverage of Celtic Developers Group to get the lowdown on this new epic venue.
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you find yourself at Oscar Wilde NYC?
DP: I have a long history in food and beverage and am a sommelier. I started working with Co-Owners Tommy Burke and Frank McCole on a part-time basis to help elevate their wine selections at the other restaurants including Lillie’s Times Square, Lillie’s Union Square and Papillon Bistro & Bar. My position at their company, Celtic Developers Group, grew as the program took off.
What was the vision behind the Oscar Wilde venue.
DP: Tommy and Frank wanted to create a tribute to the legendary Oscar Wilde and also build NYC’s longest bar. Their vision was also to introduce the city’s first standing whiskey bar, which is really unique and interesting given the whiskey trend.
Who are the founders? Can you tell us a little about them.
DP: Co-Owners Tommy Burke and Frank McCole are the founders of Oscar Wilde. They also own and operateLillie’s Victorian Establishment in Union Square and Times Square. They named their newest bar after the legendary writer, since he was longtime friends with Lillie Langtry, a successful British actress and socialite of the late 19th century and the namesake of Lillie’s. Tommy & Frank also own and operate Papillon Bistro & Bar in Midtown, Papillon Bakery in Long Island City, and Ashby’s located in Wall Street.
We have heard rumors about the decor. Something spent upwards of $4 million dollars. Can you elaborate on the details?
DP: Oscar Wilde’s design features and artifacts were hand-selected from all over the globe, including a Belgium piano from the 1890’s, a standing clock from England from the 1880’s, painted glass from Milan dating back to the late 19th century, marble carved in Vietnam, one-arm bar chairs from Mexico, antique fireplaces and more. Again, Oscar Wilde also features NYC’s longest bar at 118.5 feet. It’s made out of carved marble… at the price of $415,000.
What type of vibe or ambiance are the owners going for?
DP: Originally from County Mayo and County Monaghan in Ireland, Tommy and Frank grew up reading Oscar Wilde and studying his literature. They want the bar to celebrate his legacy and become an inclusive destination for all.
Most successful venues in NYC have a pretty extensive and rare alcohol collection. Tell us about the Whiskey/Whisky collection whether it be Scotch, Irish, Bourbon or even Japanese maybe even some Mezcals and Rum?
DP: The Irish whiskies are a big focus, followed by Scotch and American whiskies. There will be a few of the respected big brands, but we will have a diverse and well-curated spirits list covering not only the best local distillers, but also a selection from around the world. I have always loved the diversity of wine and spirits and I want that to be reflected in our collection.
Can you give us a sneak peek into the cocktails that will be available?
DP: We have traditional Victorian Cocktails using sherry and fruit liquor, as well as Prohibition style cocktails such as Bee’s Knee’s and a Mary Pickford. In addition, we are having some fun with Wise Guy’s cocktails such as a traditional Godfather and an Original called “El Heffe” featuring mezcal, chili liquor and Suze. The reason why we’re offering both Victorian and Prohibition Era cocktails is because Oscar Wilde’s building is the former headquarters of NYC’s Bureau of Prohibition and also of the mob who reportedly listened in on the federal agents. A section of our menu also has a Seasonal ingredient driven direction featuring a Strawberry Moscow Mule and a Cold Brew Coffee Negroni.
What is your role and duties for this establishment?
DP: I will be responsible for overseeing the entire beverage program, continuing to curate and expand the spirits and wine lists, along with staff training.
What characteristics are going to make the Oscar Wilde venue stand out from other venues in NYC?
DP: In addition to being the longest continuous bar in NYC, as mentioned, Oscar Wilde’s building is actually the former headquarters of NYC’s Bureau of Prohibition and the mob who reportedly listened in on the federal agents. And so, our cocktails will reflect both the Victorian and Prohibition Eras.
Besides great drinks, what else will the Oscar Wilde be known for?
DP: A fun, lively atmosphere where any and all are welcome to come and raise a glass of their favorite beverage.
When is the grand opening?
DP: In July.
As more and more information becomes readily available about spirits like Whisky, Mezcal, Rum and even Brandy, do you feel now is the best time to be in this business?
DP: Absolutely, it’s a wonderful time to be in the business. Every day, there is a new and interesting whiskey, mezcal, brandy or spirit to learn and taste. It’s an adventure and the education never stops. It’s great.
Besides the obvious being capital, what other struggles and eventual life lessons can you or the founders share with our readers when going into this kind of business?
DP: Maintaining a work/life balance throughout the process can seem like a challenge, but is a struggle for many industries. When a project is this big, it can be all-consuming and it’s easy to get lost in it, so it’s important to remember to make time for family, friends and loved ones in your life. But in the end, I wouldn’t have it any other way and this industry is the best in the business.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
DP: In addition to the spirits and wine collections, we will have 50 beers on tap, 20 of which will be rotating on a regular basis. Please stop in often and follow us on social media for the latest news from Oscar Wilde. @OscarWildeNYC (on Facebook & Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/oscarwildenyc/?fref=ts
https://www.instagram.com/oscarwildenyc/
