Dan Abrams, known widely as ABC News chief legal analyst and host of “On Patrol: Live,” is stepping yet again into the restaurant world with his new venture, *Danny’s*, an American wine bistro slated to open on West 22nd Street by the close of September. This isn’t Abrams’s first foray into hospitality—he previously co-owned Tribeca’s White Street and Greenwich Village’s The Lion, both of which established strong reputations. While the media personality’s restaurant history is notable, it remains to be seen how Danny’s will navigate New York City’s fiercely competitive dining landscape, given the challenges that many celebrity-backed eateries face once the initial buzz fades.
A Curated Wine Experience Grounded in American Terroir
One of Abrams’s more compelling angles is his emphasis on showcasing American wines that many patrons might overlook—labeling states like New York, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, and Michigan as the future of quality winemaking. This is an intriguing and potentially refreshing departure from the typical Napa-centric or international wine lists that dominate similar establishments in the city. Abrams’s personal connection to the wine world, notably his ownership of Ev&Em Vineyards on Long Island, lends authenticity to this vision. It suggests a genuine passion rather than a purely commercial venture. However, the real test will be whether this curated selection can elevate the dining experience or if it will simply be a novelty gimmick in a crowded market.
Design and Ambiance: Nostalgia Meets Contemporary New York
Danny’s will immerse guests in a classic yet intimate atmosphere, inspired by the old Elaine’s, Keith McNally’s famed restaurants, and Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar—all internationally recognized for cultivating an aura of exclusivity and old-school New York charm. With planned banquettes, vintage photographs, murals celebrating the Ladies’ Mile Historic District (the neighborhood surrounding Danny’s), and a seating capacity of just 75, Abrams is intentionally cultivating a cozy, sophisticated environment. This contrasts markedly with the expansive 220-seat White Street, highlighting a strategic shift toward intimacy and exclusivity. Still, the success of this design philosophy depends on execution. In a city pulsating with innovation, there’s a risk that nods to nostalgia might feel more contrived than authentic.
Leveraging Media Clout and Building a Power Spot
Abrams’s previous establishments attracted influential clientele ranging from media figures and political heavyweights to fashion icons and Hollywood celebrities. White Street, for instance, counted George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, and even former President Obama among its patrons, giving it a rare combination of star power and cultural relevance. With Danny’s located in Abrams’s own Madison Square Park neighborhood, the potential to cultivate a similarly formidable guest list is present. Yet, given the transformation of the city’s dining scene, where experience and innovation continuously redefine “hot spots,” Abrams’s challenge will be to build Danny’s not just on reputation but on substance that resonates with modern diners.
Venturing Beyond the Familiar: Risks and Opportunities Ahead
Abrams’s sale of Law&Crime Network in 2023 apparently freed creative energy and capital for projects “just for fun,” and Danny’s might well be his most personal endeavor yet. While his media success and wine expertise provide a strong foundation, restaurateurs notoriously face a steep learning curve, even when backed by celebrity. New York’s audience, with its discerning tastes and insatiable appetite for novelty, may embrace Danny’s for its charm and wine focus—or dismiss it as another nostalgic echo. The venture’s fate may well hinge not on Abrams’s fame but on the quality of its culinary, wine, and hospitality execution. If done right, Danny’s could stand as a beacon of authentic New York dining reborn; if not, it risks becoming just another fleeting celebrity project.
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