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Acclaimed BALVANERA, Argentine Restaurant Unveils Anticipated Design in Partnership with Pittsburgh-Based mossArchitects
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact Info:
Meredith Boyle
FUN PEOPLE
meredith@funpeople.nyc
FUN PEOPLE
meredith@funpeople.nyc
Image 1: BALVANERA Argentine Restaurant Pittsburgh Exterior Smallman Street;
Image 2: BALVANERA Pittsburgh Argentine Restaurant Interior Dining Room [Click images for larger view]
Image 2: BALVANERA Pittsburgh Argentine Restaurant Interior Dining Room [Click images for larger view]
Acclaimed BALVANERA, Argentine Restaurant Unveils Anticipated Design in Partnership with Pittsburgh-Based mossArchitects
NYC’s beloved Argentine restaurant, BALVANERA debuts its second U.S. location in the heart of the Steel City with elevated Palermo Viejo-inspired brasserie features.
PITTSBURGH, PA, September 14, 2023 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — With just a few months until its Pittsburgh opening at 1660 Smallman Street, celebrated Argentine restaurant, BALVANERA is proud to announce its partnership with lauded Pittsburgh-based mossArchitects and unveil the transformation of its new 4400-square-foot home in the Strip District.
The 1920s warehouse space, recently restored by McCaffery into an innovative office and retail building, was previously home to Pittsburgh’s iconic Rosebud and Metropol. For BALVANERA’s second location, the team behind mossArchitects (Andrew Moss, Katie LaForest, Jim Bischoff, and Gina Konopack) sought to maintain as many of the building’s rich and historic features as possible.
“The existing building was a large source of inspiration for BALVANERA’s design, as it came with incredible full-height windows that welcome an abundance of natural light, tall ceilings with exposed historic timber structure and exposed steel beams,” explains Moss Founder, Andrew Moss, “The original steel columns come with layers of history, seen through years of varying paint colors. These layers were left to reflect the evolution of the space, and in a way, the larger evolution of the Strip District neighborhood.”
Inspired by brasserie features found in Buenos Aires’ Palermo Viejo neighborhood, BALVANERA Pittsburgh showcases a rich layering of natural textures under its soaring 22’ ceiling: Dark maple floors and oak tables, white oak casing, a carrara bar and surfaces, oversized mirrors, and a balance of classic and stunning custom tile work. The team incorporated BALVANERA’s color palette to work in tandem with the raw materials: a deep blue bar, bold blue upholstery, and brass fixtures set against existing brick, wood and steel architecture.
At the heart of the space, is BALVANERA’s white-oak clad semi-open kitchen where guests can catch a glimpse of Argentine cuts on the grill, a gorgeous French rotisserie (set for a rotation of both chicken and vegetables), and the live action of the culinary team. Nearby, the 9 seat marble bar welcomes guests to enjoy clean and classic cocktails below warm globe lighting.
BALVANERA Pittsburgh is thoughtfully divided into three main areas to offer different energies within the space, and allow guests opportunities to host unique celebrations:
The Bodega & Bar
Inspired by the ‘almacenes’ of Buenos Aires – small, boutique groceries – BALVANERA’s Bodega & Bar area will serve guests a select menu of aperitivos paired with incredible cocktails and wines. The area features a round carrara marble bar, an intricate and colorful mosaic glass tile floor sourced from California-based Maison Surface, and custom shelving to hold a selection of specialty products and wines available for sale. The area will be open for service daily and available for parties of 16-20 to host lively standing events.
Inspired by the ‘almacenes’ of Buenos Aires – small, boutique groceries – BALVANERA’s Bodega & Bar area will serve guests a select menu of aperitivos paired with incredible cocktails and wines. The area features a round carrara marble bar, an intricate and colorful mosaic glass tile floor sourced from California-based Maison Surface, and custom shelving to hold a selection of specialty products and wines available for sale. The area will be open for service daily and available for parties of 16-20 to host lively standing events.
The Vinyl Room
BALVANERA’s handsome private dining room, located in the rear of the space, is named for the creative activity planned for the room: culinary collaborations, wine tastings, film screenings, and a BYOVinyl night. A rare private dining room with abundant natural light, its own sound system, and full AV capabilities, it’s the perfect space for intimate celebrations, corporate luncheons and dinners, wedding rehearsals and receptions, baby showers, and more. Seated 24 / Standing 49.
BALVANERA’s handsome private dining room, located in the rear of the space, is named for the creative activity planned for the room: culinary collaborations, wine tastings, film screenings, and a BYOVinyl night. A rare private dining room with abundant natural light, its own sound system, and full AV capabilities, it’s the perfect space for intimate celebrations, corporate luncheons and dinners, wedding rehearsals and receptions, baby showers, and more. Seated 24 / Standing 49.
The Dining Room
Much like its original NYC-location, BALVANERA’s main dining room was created in the spirit of a classic brasserie: intimate seating, wooden chairs and table tops, bright and cozy blue booths, live greenery, curated gallery walls, and an abundance of social energy. Seated 60 / Standing 80.
Much like its original NYC-location, BALVANERA’s main dining room was created in the spirit of a classic brasserie: intimate seating, wooden chairs and table tops, bright and cozy blue booths, live greenery, curated gallery walls, and an abundance of social energy. Seated 60 / Standing 80.
BALVANERA’s opening is set for late October, early November 2023. Please join the mailing list via www.balvanerarestaurants.com and follow @BALVANERAPgh for details and early access to reservations available via @Resy. On September 1st, the restaurant will begin accepting requests for holiday bookings from November 15th onward, please email events@balvanerarestaurants.com for more information.
ABOUT BALVANERA
BALVANERA is a destination for Argentine food and wine in the heart of NYC’s Lower East Side Community at 152 Stanton Street – and set to open in Pittsburgh’s ever-emerging Strip District neighborhood in Fall 2023 . The first project of Chef Fernando Navas (Sushi Samba, elBulli, Nobu), Balvanera takes its name from a historic ‘barrio’, or neighborhood, of Buenos Aires where poets, musicians and creatives once convened. The menu and philosophy is inspired by the nostalgia of Fernando’s Argentine roots, upbringing and the culinary culture he acquired on his journey through Buenos Aires, Barcelona and New York City. For more information visit www.balvanerarestaurants.com, and follow @Balvanerarestaurants and @BalvaneraPgh.
ABOUT mossArchitects
mossArchitects is a Pittsburgh-based architectural firm founded in 2006 by Andrew Moss with the intent to develop responsive, artful, expressive design solutions. In 2022, ownership expanded to include Associate Principals Katie LaForest and Darren Lloyd. We approach each project with a sense of challenge and adventure-through architecture, interior design, and urban planning services, specializing in creative and unique offices, restaurants, retail, residential, adaptive reuse, parks and cultural facilities. mossArchitects is recognized as one of the premier restaurant design architecture firms in Pittsburgh, as evidenced by projects such as Pusadee’s Garden, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, and fl.2 Restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel. Our design process begins and ends with the client: their dreams, values and goals. We seek out clients who share our conviction that quality design improves our clients’ way of life. Our office is located in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood and consists of a staff of thirteen architects, designers and technicians. For more information, please visit www.mossarc.com.
ABOUT 1600 SMALLMAN
Built in 1921 at the eastern edge of Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District, 1600 Smallman was restored by McCaffery in 2020 to house industrial-chic contemporary office and retail space. Renovated to LEED Silver® certification standards and featuring 22’ ceilings, energy-efficient windows, exposed brick walls and steel beams, this distinctive building will continue to anchor the neighborhood for another 100 years. Learn more at 1600Smallman.com
ABOUT McCAFFERY
McCaffery is a privately owned, full-service commercial real estate company that has been in the business of investing, developing, leasing and managing real estate for 30 years. The McCaffery portfolio of planned, completed and managed projects exceeds 20 million square feet and includes office, mixed-use, hotel, and residential properties, as well as large, master-planned communities and land developments. McCaffery is known in Pittsburgh for the award-winning restoration and redevelopment of The Cork Factory and Lot 24, and was named NAIOP Pittsburgh’s 2019 Developer of the Year. Additionally, The Terminal recently earned NAIOP Pittsburgh’s Catalytic Retail award. McCafferyInc.com
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