The Aura of Aureole

Charlie Palmer and his executive chef Christopher Lee (left) rolled out the new Aureole in grand style last night, throwing open the restaurant's doors with a benefit for Citymeals on Wheels. Bold-faced names from the foodie world, including Gotham Bar and Grill's Alfred Portale and the Food Network's Dave Lieberman, turned up to show their support for both Palmer and the Citymeals cause.

The coming-out party for the new venue, which in look and feel is a world away from Aureole's former townhouse space on the Upper East Side, marks another notable eatery that has picked up and moved south of its former digs, San Domenico (now known as SD26) being the other one. With its convenient midtown location, Aureole is primed to attract a slew of stylish patrons, from Condé Nast editors to Garment District fashionistas.

For more photos from this chic soirée, click here.