Well New York, it looks like spring is finally here. The clocks have sprung forward (and potentially for good this time) and the weather is finally starting to turn, so you know what that means – brand new outdoor events all spring and summer long!
One of the more interesting outdoor spaces planned for this summer is The Sanctuary at the Courts, a new outdoor café, restaurant, and biergarten from Gene Sky and Alfonso Biondi. The two previously worked together when they founded Coffeed, a philanthropic artisanal coffee company based out of Queens. Most recently, the two launched The Sanctuary in Roosevelt Island. Established in an old church on Main Street, The Sanctuary is a popular speakeasy/event space that has become known for its wood-fired pizza oven and popular outdoor bar. Available for an assortment of different services and events, The Sanctuary is perfect for special celebrations and boasts a stunning view of the East River and Manhattan at large.
Now, Gene and Alfonso appear to be taking their Sanctuary concept and moving it to a brand new space in Lower Manhattan. Opening up two outdoor kiosks in St Andrew’s Plaza, Gene and Alfonso will be bringing their signature wood-fired pizzas to 1 Centre Street, in the very heart of the Civic Center. Currently in the process of acquiring a liquor license for the space, Sanctuary will establish approximately 8,178 square feet of outdoor space to provide guests with all the amenities they need to enjoy Sanctuary pizzas and their favorite cold beers and cocktails.
The Sanctuary at the Courts is currently expected to operate daily from 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM every day, seven days a week. The spot is also expected to host various events, such as weddings and outdoor concerts. The space is permitted to bring in outside DJs and Promoters and the owners have compromised with the SLA to host a maximum of four events per month, so guests can look forward to exciting event programming coming to the Civic Center later this summer.
For the menu, The Sanctuary at the Courts will offer its specialty selection of wood-fired pizzas alongside wood-fired paninis and traditional salads. At the moment, The Sanctuary at the Courts is slated to operate from April 15 – October 15, when it will switch to its winter hours.
