EAST VILLAGE — The former Gin Palace on Avenue A has turned into a “postmodern Polynesian” cocktail bar and restaurant.
Mother of Pearl, located on the corner of East Sixth Street and Avenue A, opened Tuesday night, months after owner Ravi DeRossi closed the juniper-focused Gin Palace because the building was sinking.
The new 50-seat watering hole has been completely renovated and redecorated, with white bamboo floors, hand-carved tiki stools and a green, hand-blown Murano glass chandelier.
About a dozen tropical- and citrus-flavored drinks make up the cocktail menu, which features concoctions like the rum-based “French Connection” — made with grape, lime, luxardo bitters and blanc vermouth — and the “Black Dragon,” a vodka-based drink that incorporates oolong tea, peach, lemon and barenjager, a German liqueur.
The bar also serves crafted shots, beer and wine.
Polynesian-inspired food is also available at Mother of Pearl. Highlights include the “Scallop Makai” — which includes chili water, dragon fruit and avocado — and the “Kaluha Pork Belly,” which comes with a ginger glaze, pineapple kimchee, smoked cashews and coconut rice.
Mother of Pearl, located at 95 Avenue A, is open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
