By Amy Zimmer
DNAinfo News Editor
MURRAY HILL — Neighborhood pubs move over: the newcomer to this bustling post-collegiate bar scene is all about tequila.
Teqa — which officially opens next Tuesday — has built a buzzworthy team with Derek Jeter's personal chef, Lisa Schoen, at the helm.
She racked up other star cred as the executive chef for "Saturday Night Live" and food stylist for Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, Paula Dean, Lidia Bastianich and Katie Lee, according to its website, which also boasted of its master mixologist John Lermayer's recipes being widely published, from Vanity Fair to the Wall Street Journal.
Founders of the taqueria and tequilaria at 443 Third Avenue, between 30th and 31st streets say they're filling a vacuum in the neighborhood.
"Until recently, the area was serviced by traditional bars and pubs with few upscale offerings and very little Mexican fare," its site says. "Teqa fills that void by melding a modern menu and design sensibilities with a traditional spirit."
The high-design interior features chandeliers made of what look like tequila bottles.
Though it hasn't even opened yet, Teqa's mastermind, Derek Axelrod — who headed product placement at his family's clothing company French Connection — already has plans to bring the restaurant to other youth-addled neighborhoods.
"His vision for Teqa is a neighborhood bar and restaurant that can be expanded to other locations that embody the same creative energy and hip spirit found in Murray Hill," the website says.
