April 23, 2013
NoMad Neighbors: Chef Philippe Massoud from ilili
While interviewing many of our NoMad neighbors, one restaurant that keeps coming up is Philippe Massoud’s ilili. Conceived by Chef Philippe Massoud, ilili takes traditional middle eastern and Mediterranean flavors and gives them his own twist. Chef Philippe Massoud recently added a very ambitious and interesting brunch menu and the restaurant champions many charity causes. Their menu has fantastic attention to detail and they always feature interesting and adventurous wines.
Chef Philippe Massoud was kind enough to answer some questions about where likes to go in the NoMad neighborhood when he’s not working. See his answers below:
Quirkiest place in NoMad?
Madison Square Park, because you can always see a great cross-section of New Yorkers using it and there are a variety of art events, installations, and, of course, food festivals held in and around it.
Favorite art installation at Madison Square Park?
Echo, by Jaume Plensa — I couldn’t stop staring at it. It had a hypnotic effect on me, and calming one too.
Where do you go for drinks after work?
At ilili’s lounge. If not, I like Eleven Madison Park’s bar, Gramercy Hotel or The NoMad.
What is your favorite spot to grab coffee?
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
What is your favorite building around NoMad?
The history of the Credit Suisse Building is just magnetic – it’s such a grand building. When you think that it was conceived in the 1920s, you realize that people had courage and were not afraid of doing great things. However, one cannot omit the Flatiron Building; it is the quintessential landmark of NYC.
Best spot to take a date or your significant other?
Keeping it in the neighborhood is the best one can do, so Eleven Madison Park would be a great way to celebrate, otherwise, Marc Forgione can be fun too.