One Of Tokyo’s Best Cocktail Bars Has Opened In NYC
Two globally acclaimed mixologists–Shingo Gokan of The SG Club (named the 14th best bar in Asia and the 36th best in the world) and NYC legend Steve Schneider of Employees Only–have teamed up to bring a swanky new bi-level bar-meets-restaurant to NYC.
Dubbed Sip & Guzzle, the space takes form through two separate, unique spaces–Guzzle, an 1860s-inspired saloon on the ground-level and Sip, a subterranean speakeasy located downstairs.
Guzzle aims to give guests the vibes of a circa 1860 New York saloon.
The space features old brick and classic millwork with works of art that tell the love story between the Big Apple and the Japanese capital adorning the walls. Helmed by Schneider, Guzzle is where he serves perfected classics and his own creations.
Standouts include the Super Lychee Martini, made with The SG Shochu Kome, lychee, vodka, raspberry, grapefruit, and rose, the Whiskey Cosmo, made with high-proof bourbon whiskey, The SG Shochu Mugi, cointreau, cranberry cordial, and citrus, and the French 75, made with cognac, citrus, and sparkling wine.
Once descending a staircase to Sip, guests will be met with an elegant bar conjuring 1860s Edo (Old Tokyo).
At Sip’s bar, which is clad in a concrete finish and pays homage to the Kanrin Maru, the ship that carried 77 samurai to the US in 1860, guests will find reinterpreted cocktails from The SG Club.
Each cocktail references Japan in some way, be it the style, history, ingredients used, or the incorporation of Japanese spirits. The menu is split into four categories: To Amuse, To Savor, To Sip, and To Finish.
Cocktail highlights include the Gimlet Over Rice, made with The SG Shochu Kome, pineapple, cucumber, lemongrass, and absinthe, Tomato Tree, made with Roku Gin, fruit, flower, leaf, and sap, and the Drunken Grandma’s Apple Pie, made with Calvados, baked apple, brown butter, and egg white.
Gokan and Schneider are also joined by Chef Mike Bagale, formerly of the three Michelin-starred Alinea, who’s reimagining traditional izakaya fare and Japanese street food with modern fine-dining techniques and ingredients.
More elaborate dishes that are geared towards smaller parties can be found at Sip, such as Tuna Kooridashi, Uni Handrolls, and Royale With Cheese, while Guzzle offers bar-style snacks meant to share and pair with your cocktails, including Mochi Fries, Sashimi, and Electric Chicken.
Gokan stated:
I started my career at the legendary Angel’s Share prior to opening bars in Japan and China, so coming back to New York to open Sip & Guzzle is very special to me. My life shares a common origin story with the samurai who came to the Big Apple and returned to Asia with passion and knowledge. Now, I’m bringing back everything I’ve learned in Asia…to share it at the first expansion of The SG Club.
Sip & Guzzle is located at 29 Cornelia Street in the former Cornelia Street Café, where poets and musicians such as Lady Gaga have performed. It’s the first expansion of The SG Club in the US.
You can learn more and make reservations here.
29 Cornelia Street, Greenwich Village
The post One Of Tokyo’s Best Cocktail Bars Has Opened In NYC appeared first on Secret NYC.