Notable Restaurant Openings Across The Country

A New York City restaurant celebrates secret art appreciation, a Las Vegas venue pays homage to Paris’ Red Light District and more.

In tribute to the secret society for which it’s named, Manhattan’s Jue Lan Club exhibits a variety of artworks. The restaurant has creative signature and classic drinks and Asian fare.
In tribute to the secret society for which it’s named, Manhattan’s Jue Lan Club exhibits a variety of artworks. The restaurant has creative signature and classic drinks and Asian fare. (Photo by Paul Wagtouicz)

NYC Restaurant Celebrates Avant-Garde Chinese Fare

Occupying a historic New York City space that once housed a church and a nightclub, Jue Lan Club is an eclectic Chinese dining and nightlife venue in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. The large bi-level restaurant, which opened in December, is named after a Chinese society founded in the 1930s that secretly celebrated art. Helmed by chef Oscar Toro, formerly of Buddakan, the venue has a raw bar and serves dim sum, noodle and rice dishes, and larger entrées ($10 to $32). Standouts include raw Wagyu beef topped with Asian pear and smoked oyster crema, bone marrow and prawn dumplings, and a lamb rib eye served with spiced carrot purée, heirloom baby carrots and red quinoa. Jue Lan Club’s varied cocktail menu features classics like the Don Q rum–based Frozen Mai Tai and Belvedere vodka–based Aviation. These are joined by signature specialty drinks like the English Milk Punch, blending green tea–infused D’Ussé VSOP Cognac, Starr African rum, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice and fresh pineapple (cocktails are $13 to $18). The restaurant offers an array of wines and beers as well. To honor the history of its space, Jue Lan Club showcases 1980s nightlife memorabilia. The venue boasts an outdoor garden and also pays homage to the Jue Lan Society with in-house art exhibits.

Tableside fondue is featured at Las Vegas’ F. Pigalle, which also has a speakeasy bar.
Tableside fondue is featured at Las Vegas’ F. Pigalle, which also has a speakeasy bar. (Photo by Amelinda Lee)

An Ode To Paris Debuts In Downtown Vegas

A culinary tribute to Paris’ red light district, F. Pigalle opened in December in Downtown Las Vegas as the first concept from the new restaurant group Foodcult. The venue has a sensual atmosphere, boasting private red booths and an outdoor bar area. Fondue is a food highlight and F. Pigalle offers a variety of options, from cheese and chocolate to steak and shrimp ($9 to $25). Each fondue order is accompanied by a small bottle of red or white wine. Located in the space’s back alley, the Red Light Bar is a drinks den inspired by The Nightjar in London. The bar offers creative cocktails like Rhum & Marriage, blending Clément Select Barrel rhum agricole, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, Lustau Don Nuño Dry Oloroso Sherry, Barritt’s Ginger beer, Angostura bitters and fresh lime, topped with grated nutmeg (drinks are $13 to $16).

Restaurant Briefs

  • Kimpton Hotels & Resorts ventured into Austin, Texas, in November with the debut of the Hotel Van Zandt and its signature restaurant Geraldine’s. The eatery serves contemporary Texas fare, while the drinks menu features a variety of creative cocktails, more than 80 American whiskies and local craft beers. 
  • California-based Innovative Dining Group has expanded its high-end Sushi Roku concept, unveiling the teppanyaki restaurant Roku in November in West Hollywood. The venue offers sophisticated Japanese cuisine, including grilled meats and sushi. Sake is a drinks highlight, and Roku also boasts an extensive list of Japanese whiskies.
  • Chef Justin Severino opened his Spanish tapas restaurant Morcilla in December in Pittsburgh. The intimate spot emphasizes shared plates, including house-cured charcuterie, traditional pintxos, montaditos and seafood dishes. Severino’s wife, Hilary, oversees the Spain-dominated wine program.
  • Houston-based restaurant operator Treadsack unveiled Bernadine’s in December in Houston Heights. The company’s sixth concept is inspired by the local cuisines of the Gulf Coast and features a raw bar and daily ceviche. Bernadine’s also lists domestic wines and Southern cocktails.