In the Neighborhood: Modern Pizza

Do you remember the building at 310 Huguenot Street? For years, it was the run down New Rochelle Restaurant Supply, and, before that, God knows…it had been a long while since 310 Huguenot’s heyday. And it was a pretty great heyday: the building was constructed during New Rochelle’s golden era. It was built as a very swank car dealership when cars were not computerized and mostly made from plastic. The building’s grand interior and exterior was fitted with expensive, solid bronze doors; it also had a glamorous vaulted ceiling and a sweet little musician’s gallery. The architects had really gone to town on 310 Huguenot, and so it was a pity to see it disgraced under so many layers of peeling paint.

Cue Modern Pizza, which for generations stood on Russell Avenue.  Admittedly, the spot had loads of vintage charm, but the pizzeria was so small that it couldn’t accommodate all of Modern’s rabid fans. Pizza take-out and delivery were also a real problem because narrow, one way Russell Avenue couldn’t handle much car traffic.  Modern was bursting at its, admittedly cute, seams.

And so it was a match made in heaven when Modern stepped into 310 Huguenot Street. Modern took the 8500 square foot Huguenot St. space and painstakingly restored its architectural charms, returning the faded building to its former glory as a grand New Rochelle showplace. With help from the Manhattan firm, Parts and Labor Design, Modern Restaurant and Lounge debuted with custom-built light fixtures and all of that nasty paint scraped away. Inside, you’ll see those bronze and glass doors restored – in fact, behind one bronze door (in a nook that once stored pots and pans), now twinkles a glittering, candle-lit wine room.

The new space accommodates 130 diners and 26 at the bar - plus, it offers a convenient, a separately accessed take-out and delivery area, a clubby lounge with wing chairs, and an 80 seat banquet room. The design features white subway tile, those vintage-looking light fixtures, a walnut bar, and bare walnut tables.  The ceiling still soars, and those wide fabulous windows still look out on the fabulous church across the street. Plus, the new Modern offers loads of parking (just check Modern’s website).

Best of all?  Despite its glamorous setting, Modern is serving the same reasonably-priced Italian fare that has made this restaurant so beloved by generations of locals. After you hit the GrandMarket, stop by for classics like clams oreganata and wide, sharable pizzas – all served on those charming steely pizza pedestals. Yum.