Closings

Could Noel Ashman Be Taking Over West Village Fixture Fedora?

Photo: Konstantin Sergeyev

Rumors have been floating around that Fedora, the 58-year-old restaurant in the West Village, is not long for this world, and now it’s official: A Community Board 2 agenda and a “Notice of Hearing” sign on the door of the onetime speakeasy indicate that one Little Wisco (doing business as NA) is vying to take the liquor license from the eponymous owner, who (now in her 90s) is famously greeted by applause at the beginning of each shift (she’s known as “Mom” by some of her regulars).

Back in April, a representative for Graydon Carter addressed a rumor that Graybee was taking over the restaurant: “Graydon took a look at [Fedora] with Emil Varda from the Waverly, but he’s not sure what his plans are.” It’s uncertain whether Carter is affiliated with Little Wisco or NA — the latter is, of course, the name of one of Noel Ashman’s old clubs. After the closing of the Plumm, he’s been looking to open a “much smaller” semi-private club, however this rickety little cubbyhole doesn’t seem quite his style. Then again, fauxstalgia joints are tres chic these days. And consider this: His buddy and investor Chris Noth was born in Wisconsin (hence “Little Wisco”?).

Fedora’s line has been busy all of yesterday and this morning, and the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so we haven’t been able to get the story straight from Ms. Dorato, but we’ll let you know what we hear.

Update: Or Is Joseph Leonard’s Owner Taking Fedora?

Could Noel Ashman Be Taking Over West Village Fixture Fedora?