MIDTOWN — Celeb hot spot Asia de Cuba is slated to close come October, Crain’s New York reported.
The Asian fusion restaurant, owned by Jeffrey Chodorow's China Grill Management, has been located inside the Morgans New York Hotel on Madison Avenue between East 37th and East 38th streets since the hotel opened in 1984. It has been frequented by the likes of Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
In the wake of the announcement, devotees took to Twitter to express their dismay. Some vowed farewell visits, while others lamented the loss of a New York fixture.
"RIP Asia De Cuba," @bryanfuhr tweeted. "You elevated my expectations of calamari."
A spokeswoman for the hotel group declined to say what will replace the restaurant. And according to hotel industry experts, 98 employees there have union agreements that may make it difficult for a business not owned by the hotel to be profitable in that location.
China Grill Management also operates restaurants and bars in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Mexico City and London.
