Page 31 - Wine Spectator (January 2020)

E V E N T S

The Tavern by WS on New York City’s West Side

The Tavern by WS

The restaurant, affiliated with Wine Spectator, opens in New York’s Hudson Yards

BY JULIE HARANS represents regions around the world, includ-

ing Australia, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Ger-
udson Yards, an ambitious new residen- many and Austria, with a mix of benchmark
tial and office complex on New York and lesser-known wineries. “It’s a balanced list
City’s West Side, already offers restau- where people can recognize a producer, but
Hrants from outstanding chefs including there’s also going to be things that are small-

Thomas Keller, José Andrés and David Chang. production, harder to find,” Engelmann said.
The latest addition, the Tavern by WS, adds a “The idea is to create a dynamic program that’s
different aspect: an exclusive affiliation with exciting for everyone.”
Wine Spectator, the world’s most widely read wine Value and approachability are hallmarks of

publication. The Tavern opened on Nov. 13. the list, reflecting the traditionally casual and
“Being the Tavern by WS, we of course want comfortable feel of a tavern. About half of
to accentuate the wine,” said beverage director the wines are under $100, and only a hand-
Michaël Engelmann, formerly of Wine Specta- Chef Eli Kaimeh and wine director Michaël Engelmann ful reach the higher end of $300 to $400.
tor Grand Award winner the Modern. The by-the-glass list is similarly diverse,

Engelmann will work alongside executive The Tavern by WS featuring about 30 international wines span-
chef Eli Kaimeh, formerly of Grand Award win- 37 Hudson Yards, New York ning a wide range of regions and styles, from

(entrance on 11th Avenue at 32ndStreet)
ner Per Se and Best of Award of Excellence win- domestic Pinot Noirs and Cabernets Sauvi-
Telephone (212) 564-3005 Website thetavernbyws.com
ner Gramercy Tavern. “We are extremely proud gnons to South African Chenin Blancs and
Open Lunch and dinner, starting at 11 a.m.
to open the Tavern by WS,” said Kenneth A. German Rieslings—“a little bit of every-
Himmel, president and CEO of Related Urban, thing,” as Engelmann put it.
developer of the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, who collabo- Head sommelier Jared Hill, also from the Modern, will lead a team of
rated on the project. “It is sure to be not only a great neighborhood res- five sommeliers, most of whom previously worked at Wine Spectator
taurant but a must-visit for culinary and beverage exploration.” Restaurant Award–winning establishments: Mani McGregor, formerly

“Being in a partnership with Ken Himmel and [entrepreneur] Stephen of Manhatta; Kristin Ma, formerly of Anfora; Jun Xi Chen, formerly of
Ross makes this an exciting project for Wine Spectator,” said Marvin R. Masa; David Blackburn, formerly of Del Posto; and Renato Bringas,
Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. (Note: Wine Spectator formerly of Carbone.
is not involved in the restaurant’s management or operation.) The Tavern’s seasonal menu will offer contemporary takes on Ameri-

The brasserie-inspired American restaurant occupies a warm-toned, can classics such as apple Waldorf salad, rotisserie chicken and a beef
TIM RYAN SMITH high-ceilinged space designed by the Rockwell Group, adorned with porterhouse for two. The restaurant is located one floor beneath WS
New York, a food and wine–focused private club that opened to mem-
numerous display cellars showcasing the 5,000-bottle wine inventory.
The 400-selection wine list focuses on California and France, but also bers in November.

JAN. 31 - FEB. 29, 2020 • WINE SPECTATOR 29