Visit The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co. to find a speakeasy vibe and romantic lighting and a menu unlike any other in Manhattan. In fact, the waitstaff will ask if you want a little taste of the bourbon or rye made on the premises. You can tour the facilities before you dine! The Great Jones Distilling Co. products are displayed in large glass bookcases in the 20s-style brown and white tiled foyer just in front of the restaurant. Among these spirits is a super elegantly packaged Jean-Michel Basquiat bourbon featuring his brightly colored artwork (his studio was nearby)!
You will find the food as enticing as the artisanal liquor offered. Executive Chef Daniel Wright (raised in Upstate New York)—a veteran of such acclaimed restaurants as Bourbon Steak House, Le Bernardin, Saison, and PEAK—makes locally sourced produce, meat, and fish the centerpiece of his dishes. He considers his strongest kitchen skill to be elevating classic American dishes. He works long hours to help source ingredients for his kitchen and put new twists on American favorites. The results are amazing!
Chef Wright revealed some of his favorite dishes on the menu. One was the Filet Mignon in a classic Madera sauce, while another was the Fois Gras Torchon cured in bourbon, which he says is even better if you ask for a whiskey pairing.
FROM BURATTA TO BRANZINO
The small local burrata plate has Jersey Girl Burrata, charred tomatoes, pesto, and arugula. It is a fitting example of farm-fresh ingredients made into the perfect medley of dairy and greens. The charred tomatoes were incredibly juicy and sweet. Our shared entrees were the Branzino with Haricot Verts and Lemon Brown Butter and Hanger Steak with Wild Mushrooms and Cipollini Onions (which had a small bunch of Roasted Broccolini scattered on top). The stunning presentations and substantial portions dazzled, but the quality of the Branzino and Hanger Steak was top-notch. We did not need a steak knife to cut the tender hanger steak flowing with juice
SAVORY ‘N SATISFYING SIDES
Our sides were the Potato Pave with Brown Butter, Grana Padano, and Truffle Aioli, which melted in our mouths, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Red Pickled Onions and Parmesan Cheese, which was an odd combo that worked well (as the house-made pickled onions provided a kick.
Desserts are highly memorable. The Great Jones Rye Baked Alaska features Salted Peanut Butter and Caramelized Banana. The rye stays in the background on this dessert as it is truly a symphony of sweet and salty. The Warm Dark Chocolate Brownie with Caramelized White Chocolate is a fantasy dessert for anyone who loves chewy and chocolatey brownies. Oddly enough, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is made with carrot cake, then topped with Great Jones Rye Toffee Sauce and sided with Cream Cheese Ice Cream. It’s decadent and delightful—and perfect for sharing. Those who like their desserts not so sweet can try the Selection of Seasonal Cheeses with Great Jones Bourbon Apple Compote and Toasted Anadama.
FUTURE FLAVORS
Chef Wright noted there will be menu surprises coming for summer. “The team at Great Jones is updating their crudos, canapés, and cocktails. The Hamachi fish (Yellowfin Tuna) will be cured in Kombu (Japanese seaweed) and served with house-made cucumber kimchi. Mixed with crème fraiche, the kimchi juice perfectly balances this dish.”
He also added that there will be advancements in liquor pairings using Great Jones Distilling Co. products: “The restaurant is developing a savory flight pairing featuring canapé-sized bites. While it already offers a delightful pastry flight with tiramisu infused with straight bourbon, sponge cake with Great Jones Four Grain Bourbon, and a chocolate bonbon with Great Jones Empire Rye, I’m eager to introduce a savory option. Though pairing savory dishes with whiskey poses more challenges than wine, I am excited about the potential and look forward to the results.”
Folks with a sweet tooth will be curious about the new desserts featuring the distillery’s products. “More of our pastries will incorporate bourbon flavors. We recently introduced a Caramel Mousse made with straight bourbon. Additionally, our Chocolate Bar is served with vanilla bourbon ice cream.”
One thing’s for sure—there is no place quite like The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co. The speakeasy decor is undeniably New York. One of the best-kept secrets about The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co. is that you can get $11 food and cocktails via their special Prohibition Hour menu!
For more information on The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co.,
visit greatjonesdistillingco.com/restaurant