Openings

Michael White’s Altamarea Group Said to Have Leased Fiamma Space

Going back to Spring Street?
Going back to Spring Street? Photo: Patrick McMullan

The Post is reporting that, last week, restaurateur Stephen Hanson sold the Soho building that formerly housed Fiamma to a real-estate investment group, but in a “wild twist,” its new owners have leased the space to none other than Michael White and Ahmass Fakahany of the Altamarea Group.

You may recall that, once upon a time, Michael White was Fiamma’s chef. He left in 2006 under unhappy circumstances. The chef took over for Scott Conant at L’Impero, and shortly thereafter mighty-morphed into the culinary powerhouse he is known as today. His restaurant group’s portfolio in New York includes Osteria Morini, Nicoletta, Marea, Ai Fiori, and The Butterfly, which is expected to open this winter. The Post’s source says the old Fiamma on Spring Street is “in fine shape, with great infrastructure for a new restaurant.”

The restaurant, which occupies three floors of the five-floor building at 206 Spring Street, closed in 2009. Sources say the chef has been seen “in and out” of the building. We have a line out to White’s Altamarea Group and will let you know what we hear back.

Hudson Yards shovel ready [NYP]
Earlier: Fiamma Closes Doors

Michael White’s Altamarea Group Said to Have Leased Fiamma Space