Plaza’s Oak Room Readies for Relaunch

One of the last true bastions of New York City is bracing for a March 18 relaunch. The Oak Room in The Plaza Hotel is getting ready to mix its first martini since The Plaza shut down for renovations. First opened in 1907, it will be under the direction of a new executive chef, Eric Hara, who will debut a new menu featuring classic and modern American cuisine. The dining room has also been updated to create a more "welcoming environment" (we'll be sad if it loses all its pretension and stodginess!). Hara was most recently executive chef of David Burke Townhouse and Fishtail. [Map]