Noche
Noche in Times Square is the brain-child of David Emil, in concert with Chef Michael
Lomonaco, the same team that ran the most lucrative restaurant in New York, the
World Trade Center's Windows on the World. At Noche, David Emil uses the title "El
Exigente" or the discriminating one and it shows in the incredible detail of this
exciting new Time Square venue.
The Noche project began seven years ago as a restaurant-theater extravaganza
for illusionist David Copperfield. On Broadway, between 48th and 49th Streets, $34
Million was spent to build the dramatic space with a 70-foot-high ceiling and loft
like industrial-Gothic metal girders. Unfortunately, the deal collapsed in 1999.
David Emil had already been set to operate the property under Copperfield and was
approached by financial backer Conseco to continue in this role. Emil suggested
that the restaurant be re-invented as a Latin restaurant and nightclub.
Noche is built on four levels. Designed by the world famous Rockwell Group,
the décor incorporates innovative lighting and a state of the art sound system.
Warm colors like mango, guava and passion fruit play off the glass and tile details
of the elevator and the tile mosaics set into the carved, concrete floors and the
terrazzo bar.
A winding staircase wraps around a glass elevator shaft delivering guests to the second floor dining room reaching three stories high. Raised levels put each grouping of tables at a different height, with seating looking over onto the main dining room scene below.
A focal point to the whole restaurant, the central ceiling 'oculus' subtly can change hues creating the appropriate ambiance for any given night. In the main dining room, a raised 180 degree revolving stage can be used for entertainment
The restaurant cuisine explores the flavors of South and Central America and the Caribbean. Tropical drinks and Latin cocktails, and a wine list, which has at its core the great producers of South America, are designed to complement the food.
Windows on the World, predecessor to Noche, used Squirrel Classic. Noche
has implemented the Microsoft RAD (Retail Application Developer) award-winning Squirrel
Restaurant Management System. Point of sale functionality is accessed by Noche servers
at thirteen locations, on four levels throughout the restaurant. Orders are printed
to six different kitchen locations and three bars. Noche makes use of Squirrel's
fully integrated credit card authorization software and Squirrel partner, Givex,
to provide gift card functionality.
El Exigente, David Emil states, "We successfully used Squirrel for many years at Windows on the World. So, when we opened Noche there was no other choice. We have tried other systems in the past but they just didn't work for us." He continues, "Between the Squirrel reseller, MetroTouch and the 24 hour Squirrel Solution Center, we receive superior support."
