Pearl Room to trade up for bigger digs

One of Third Avenue’s most popular eateries is packing its bags, if only for a three-block move.

While the Pearl Room (8201 Third Avenue) announced earlier this summer via an overhead sign that it would take over the space that once belonged to recently shuttered Dari Mediterranean Cuisine (8513 Third Avenue) as early as autumn, owners have kept quiet about the details of the move – until now.

“We’re going to be moving hopefully by the end of October,” owner Anthony Rinaldi told this paper, noting that, for a brief soft-opening period, both restaurants will be open to the public. “We’re in the process of getting everything in order for the new place.”

That new place, though just three blocks away, will boast a new contemporary look for the Bay Ridge mainstay – a 17-year-old seafood and chop house that’s no stranger to celebrity sightings – as well as revamped lighting, extra seating and a 175-person party room.

While the move rides on the heels of an ended lease, Rinaldi admits it was time for a change.

“It’s a good time to put a good twist on the menu,” he said, stressing that, while the Pearl Room will continue to flaunt its classics, there will be a number of new additions to both the food and drink menus. “We’re going to keep our regular menu and, besides that, we’re going to debut organic, GMO-free foods, as well as all organic juices behind the bar.”

Rinaldi’s new liquor license was up for debate at a Monday, September 21 Community Board 10 meeting, where members voted overwhelmingly to support it. Though the board’s vote is only advisory, the motion made clear the community’s support of the Ridge mainstay.

“I just want to say that the Pearl Room has been an excellent community partner to many [community based organizations] for many, many years,” noted board member Mary Quinones just before the vote.

Its method of operation will not change, Rinaldi noted, adding that patron favorites like Karaoke Thursdays, Salsa & Sangria Fridays and Disco Saturdays will remain intact.

“People are very excited [about the move] and I’m very blessed to have the support that I do,” said Rinaldi. “I really do feel that the community is behind us. I want to thank the community for making me feel that I’m doing the right thing in keeping the restaurant alive.”

To thank them, he said, the Pearl Room is raising a glass.

“We’re calling it ‘Toast to our past; Cheers to our future,’” said Rinaldi of a special promotion in which, from October 14 through November 25, patrons will receive a complementary glass of champagne with every entrée.

“It’s still going to be Bay Ridge’s own Pearl Room,” said restaurant manager Sara Steinweiss. “Just in a bigger space.”