The iron is definitely hot for expansion-minded Michael White, whose next tactical strike will be Ai Fiori, his first (but presumably not last) hotel restaurant, with drinks by Eben (Tailor) Freeman, desserts by Robert (Corton) Truitt, and a coterie of front-of-the-house talent snagged from Jean Georges and Del Posto. A preview party Thursday night will reveal the space, which might open to the public as soon as next Monday, or, according to the front desk, as late as early December. In the meantime, we've got a peek at the dinner menu, with post-recessionary entrée prices ranging from $29 to $43.
Ai Fiori Menu [PDF]
Ai Fiori, 400 Fifth Ave., at 36th St., Second fl.; 212-613-8660