about
“Swanky, trendy décor and American ‘comfort’ cuisine, beautiful people and an achingly cool reputation make Elmo our pick for the best eatery of the year!”
—Instinct Magazine
What’s in a name?
many years ago, we were invited to take a private tour of the legendary, long-abandoned Club El Morocco on manhattan’s famed east 48th street.
we walked around in awe as bits of sunlight slipped through the shuttered windows to light the dining room, untouched since closing night in 1968.
original table settings, silverware, menus—all there, alongside the iconic zebra-striped banquets. an awe-inspiring landmark.. a moment…a room frozen in time. witness to a still life portrait of new york’s fabulous golden age.
upstairs in the office, news clippings and black-and-white photos filled albums documenting the glory days of the 1950s and 60s. the parties! the flair! the excitement of one of the country’s most exciting social hubs. the spirited fun, strong cocktails, good food, and famous guests.
in 2001, we imagined that night when the lights were dimmed and the party paused. in what way could we hope to pay homage to the energy, the joie de vivre, of manhattan’s most fabulous moment?
from a dust-filled, long-forgotten El Morocco…elmo was born.
we hope you enjoy.
