Food Editor’s Spotlight: A First Look At The Gander

by | Apr 1, 2014 | Dining, Downtown Eats Guides | 0 comments

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Chef Jesse Schenker of Recette in the West Village threw a pre-opening party last Saturday in celebration of his newly conceived American restaurant, The Gander, to open in the Flatiron District (15 W 18th St.) on April 3rd.

The party was a big success with a large turnout of guests from the media. Servers worked the floor with trays of bite-sized snacks from Schenker’s menu, including savory canapés like brisket ‘tots’ with potato and a mustard sauce (personal favorite), buffalo sweetbreads with blue cheese dressing and celery (adapted from Recette), fava bean and ricotta crostini, and a sea trout tartare with pickled cucumbers. Sweet treats like basil chocolate cream puffs, Persian lime and sable tart, and a chocolate cayenne cake were also offered. For drinks, attendees chose between two specialty cocktails; ­the refreshing “Jungle Juice,” made of Double Cross vodka (who sponsored the party), muddled red grapes, Ruby Sipper tea (hibiscus and blood orange) and Oleo-Saccharum, and the option of a bourbon, lemon, and honey cocktail. Various wines were offered depending on ones taste.

Schenker’s approach to the new space is casual fine dining with a design by the award-winning designer Thomas Schlesser. Plenty of seating accommodates 150 people with an airy and comfortable feel, divided into two equally large rooms: a bar area in front and a dining area in back. Trendy teal banquets paired with modern wooden tables with distinct grain make up the palette of the dining room with stucco-like white walls. As Jason the Maitre D’ mentioned, the space is still underway to completion, as new sconces, pendants, and artwork will complete the space in the upcoming week.

The menu has a wide variety to offer with a price range of $20-$40 per entrée and features charcuterie and cheese plates, exquisite pastas and an assortment of meat dishes to be paired with an international wine list from Rick Pitcher (formerly of Gotham Bar & Grill).

The Gander will be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.  For more information, please visit thegandernyc.com

– Joseph Amella, Jr. 

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