BREAKING: Group Behind Bagatelle To Take Over The Merkato 55 Space

[Champagne Superman at Bagatelle] With fall just around the corner, it's time to start looking at where your options are to get your Booze Brunch in order.  Last season, we covered the "Battle of the Brunches," a fight to the end between Team Bagatelle (run by Remi Laba and Aymeric Clemente) and Team Merkato 55 (Run by twins Derek and Daniel Koch). This season, in what appears to be an ironic twist in the history of the beleaguered Merkato 55 space, the duo from Team Bagatelle have signed on to take over the Merkato 55 space, neutralizing any competition in wild Saturday brunching, at least in the Meatpacking district. Apparently Remi and Aymeric are planning to turn the Merkato 55 space into an Italian Brasserie and are teaming up with a certain St. Bart's restaurateur that goes by "Pascal" (story developing)....

No word on where the Koch brothers will be taking their party, one that we have been following from day one at Le Bilboquet, to Jour et Nuit, to Merkato 55, to Day & Night Southampton....but we will be sure to stay tuned and keep you updated on any news we receive.

Update: Email from Koch's: They will be starting their brunches this weekend as well! Looks like the battle of the brunches will continue this season after all. Stay tuned for more info!

Daniel Koch starts the champagne tower last fall at Merkato 55...

Aymeric Clemente lights up the sparklers last fall at Bagatelle...

Where are the Koch's Crew going to go to now?

Video of Merkato last fall:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/3178950[/vimeo]