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Harry Poulakakos in front of the India House, formerly home to Harry's, now home to Bayard's
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It's easy to see how beloved Harry Poulakakos is; just try walking down the street with him. Loyal customers and friends can spot his smile and warm demeanor from blocks away and make a point to stop and say hello. Today a fixture in Lower Manhattan, Harry moved to New York City from Xirokambi, Greece, at the age of 17 to pursue the American dream. This April will mark his 50th year in the United States, and he couldn't seem happier.
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| Harry with his pride and joy, son Peter Poulakakos |
Harry's first career was working in the honey bee industry in Greece. Though he wasn't particularly interested in a change, his move to New York made it impossible to find work in his field. Instead, he took a post in a small restaurant in Brooklyn, six months later started working at Georgia's in Manhattan, and in late 1958 found his way to Lower Manhattan's Delmonico's. In the process, he quickly learned the tricks of the trade and in 1972, he opened Harry's of Hanover Square with his late wife Adrienne. The restaurant became a favorite of many downtown professionals during its run, and many regular customers were sad to see it close after Adrienne's death. But there's no need to fret. Another Poulakakos, Harry's son Peter, has opened a series of restaurants that feature the same welcoming atmosphere that Harry's was known for.
Interestingly enough, Harry did not want Peter to work in the restaurant business and encouraged him to take a job with a large company after he graduated from Georgetown University. But with a role model like Harry, it is not difficult to see why Peter chose to follow in his father's footsteps. With Harry as his consultant, Peter has added several new restaurants to the family roster in recent years. Asked how things are going, Peter replied, "Business is good, knock on wood," and reached to the wall to knock.
Some would consider owning a family business stressful, but Harry calls it "exciting!" He loves working with his son and believes their relationship makes their restaurants more inviting.
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| Michael Jewel, Harry and Peter Poulakakos on Stone Street |
Ask Harry about Lower Manhattan and he becomes animated about the benefits of living and working downtown. He recently moved to Battery Park City, and with Bayard's, multiple Financier Patisseries, Adrienne's Pizzabar, and Ulysses nearby (all Poulakakos restaurants) there are plenty of places to eat at all times of day and night. Ulysses', co-owned by Peter Poulakakos, Danny McDonald, and Michael Jewell, serves food until 4:00 a.m. Almost as important, says Harry: "You can always get a cab." The lack of downtown traffic, cooler temperatures, and a growing number of very good restaurants and entertainment venues are examples that Harry gives when explaining why downtown is the place to be and will continue to grow as a destination spot.
If those aren't reasons enough to head downtown, maybe the consistently low-priced, high-quality wine list at Bayard's will grab your attention. When asked why he charges so much less than his competitors for the same bottles of wine, Harry replies, "You have to be nice to people. People come in, they expect something, and we give them a little more for their money."
Harry's appreciation of wine began in 1959 under the tutelage of Oscar Tucci, the proprietor of Oscar Delmonico's, now Delmonico's. It has continued to grow ever since. On the subject of his mentor, Harry says, "He is one of the nicest human beings."
Harry's eyes light up as he describes choice bottles and vintages as if they were old friends; a bottle of Latour is among his most recent favorites. And for the wine aficionados who are wondering where the famous wines from Harry's went when the restaurant closed, many are being served at Bayard's. The rest will be available at the newest Poulakakos restaurant, which is being built in the location formerly occupied by Harry's at Hanover Square and is scheduled to open sometime early next year.
Will Harry ever retire? It's not likely. "I like what I do. I like people, I like my business -- it's a pleasure really."
Poulakakos Restaurants
Adrienne's Pizzabar
54 Stone Street
(212) 248-3838
Bayard's
One Hanover Square
(212) 514-9454
Financier Patisserie
62 Stone Street
(212) 344-5600
Financier Patisserie
Courtyard
World Financial Center
(212) 786-3220
Ulysses'
58 Stone Street
(212) 482-0400
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