GKA Interiors designs Café Tallulah a 1,800 s/f, bi-level restaurant/bar

Combining elements of a classic bistro in Paris and a New York City cocktail spot, Café Tallulah, designed by Gene Kaufman Architects Interiors Group, is slated to open shortly, adding an 1,800 s/f dining and nightlife destination to the Upper West Side neighborhood. Located in a 1910 building at 240 Columbus Ave., Café Tallulah is a bi-level restaurant and bar. GKA's design builds on the original character of its century-old setting with exposed brick walls and structural steel features running the length of the zinc countertop bar. The lower-level lounge features wooden floors, a detailed tin ceiling, vintage chandeliers, lush velvet draping and plush furnishings. GKA also restored a bas relief mural outside of the restaurant that Upper West Side residents have considered a signature of the neighborhood for more than 40 years. Café Tallulah, which is named for the daughter of owner Greg Hunt, will feature a modern twist on a bistro menu from chef Roxanne Spruance and cocktails by Dushan Zaric. "Café Tallulah conjures thoughts of Talluah Bankhead and her famous, and infamous, appearances at legendary New York establishments," said Gene Kaufman, founder of GKA. "It has both grit and glamour. The design captures the essence of New York's storied venues of high style and fine dining." About Gene Kaufman Architect Gene Kaufman Architect (GKA), has built a sterling reputation in the real estate and private development arenas for high-caliber and high-impact designs that are both innovative and highly-efficient. For more than 25 years, GKA has cultivated strong, collaborative relationships with some of the most active developers in real estate, helping them realize substantial bottom-line results through thoughtful design. GKA is the most prolific hotel architect in the history of New York City having completed over two dozen new Manhattan hotels over the last 10 years. GKA also specializes in urban developments, notably multi-family residential and adaptive reuse projects as well as new residential, commercial, educational and institutional buildings. Corollary areas of expertise include zoning, land use changes, variances, urban planning and historic restoration. In 2011, GKA joined forces with celebrated modernist master Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects, forming Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman & Associates. GKA and GSKA work collaboratively to extend their reach and provide a full spectrum of architectural services to clients. é Tallulah, 240 Columbus Avenue - Manhattan, NY