Jennifer Lawrence and Steak Au Poivre? Raoul’s 50th Anniversary Party Had Both

Amidst an abundance of Manhattan restaurants, on Tuesday night it was evident just how much one institution has made its mark. In honor of its half-century milestone, beloved SoHo mainstay Raoul’s teamed up with Moda Operandi and Chloë Sevigny to celebrate in true French American fashion. In other words, a steak and martini-filled dinner followed by a bash in the bistro.

Under the instantly-recognizable tin ceiling, a lucky posse of invitees mingled by the bar, picking up Grey Goose cocktails and glasses of bubbly to take to their seats. A quintessential intimate date night, Raoul’s style, commenced. Tables of two and booths of four were occupied, with custom Moda Domus ceramic ash trays and Warby Parker reading glasses nestled alongside the place settings. Finely-dressed waiters appeared with oysters bienville gratinées, a warm goats cheese salad, and artichoke vinaigrette to start. And after that, there was only one acceptable phrase heard: Steak au-poivre, s’il vous plait.

While the food was prepared, the room was abuzz. By 8.30 p.m., a surprise burlesque performance dazzled the room, with Jennifer Lawrence watching on with delight. Fashion designers Jackson Wiederhoeft and Christopher John Rodgers had gotten their hands on crayons—transforming the paper tablecloths into chef-d'œuvres—while Lauren Santo Domingo chatted with Brandon Maxwell and Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome.

The appetizers appeared and were cleared just as fast, plates of steaks were reduced to mere peppercorns as cornets upon cornets of frites flowed from the kitchen. A gigantic tiramisu sheet cake—so massive that it took three people to light the cake—was served on custom Moda Domus x Raoul’s dessert plates. Owners Guy and Karim Raoul gave a heartfelt toast to the crowd: “Here's to 50 more years,” they said, followed by a host of hoots and cheers.

A late-night party ensued, swelling bigger and bigger with each passing hour. An influx of notables were scattered around the bar, admiring, and wearing, the merchandise collaboration—graphic 8th Story baseball caps and Les Tien hoodies and baby tees—while they waited for the diners to finish their slices of birthday cake to come join them.

The later it got, nobody wanted to leave, as more and more people arrive to pack in tightly against the paintings and nude drawing-covered walls. Hours later, guests walked out of the undiscerning door onto the streets of Soho, bellies full and hearts even fuller.