Whaling Bar to Close, Reopen as Café La Rue

If you're feeling at all nostalgic about the La Valencia's plans to update the Whaling Bar & Grill, act fast and drink soon — the hotel's anticipating a late January start date for the construction that'll transform it into French bistro called Café La Rue.

Café La Rue is actually the original name for the dining space that adjoins the bar; the remodel will remove the wall that separates the two connecting rooms and add a large central bar, a glass enclosed wine vault, and more open seating.

But don't worry, those cool Wing Howard paintings, done in the 1940's, will be incorporated into the bistro's new art deco theme. The hotel also plans to make better use of La Valencia's front courtyard and patio seating.

During his interview with Eater, La Valencia's new culinary director, Chef Paul McCabe, mentioned that Café La Rue will be getting its own Berkel, the shiny red Ferrari of meat slicers.
· Eater Interview: Paul McCabe [~ESD~]
· The La Valencia Hotel [Official Site]