Jumeirah Essex House opens South Gate restaurant

Chef Kerry Heffernan has created a distinctive and seasonally inspired Modern American menu sure to attract native New Yorkers and visitors alike.

'Jumeirah Essex House's privileged location in New York City means that we are always in touch with Central Park,' explains Scott Dawson, General Manager of Jumeirah Essex House. 'Chef Heffernan's cooking will be heavily influenced by his surroundings and the changes they undergo throughout the year. His menu will be a culinary translation of Jumeirah's vision, which is to always STAY DIFFERENTtm.'

Chef Heffernan, whose name is synonymous with fresh, Modern American cuisine, honed his culinary skills at some of New York's finest dining establishments and he opened the highly regarded Eleven Madison Park in 1998. Chef Heffernan developed a reputation for creating outstanding contemporary American fare and gained a loyal following, now ready to head to Central Park South.

'Central Park will be at the heart of what we offer,' says Chef Heffernan. 'There will be a sense of the seasons, what I call the privilege of time - being able to observe and experience the transition. The sequence of the flowers, the procession of the hardwoods, the falling snow… Guests will not only be a part of that, but hopefully savour it as well at South Gate.'
South Gate's constantly evolving menu features instant classics such as Hamachi with Eucalyptus Oil, Lemon Zest and Garlic Crisp; Lobster and Leek Vinaigrette with Cardamom and Dill Seeds and Venison with Fresh Juniper, Red Carrots and Rosemary Fritters.

The luxurious space features a fresh, sleek interior by famed designer, Tony Chi of Tony Chi and Associates. As a New Yorker for the last fifty years, Tony had very specific ideas as to how the space should feel and unfold once welcomed inside. 'I wanted to create a place that is for the neighbourhood, an urban tavern with varying levels of intimacy and cultural synergies,' shares Chi. South Gate transitions from a casual morning patisserie to a skylit lunch spot to a night time dining destination with twinkling lights and easy intimacy.
The opening of South Gate marks the completion of Jumeirah Essex House's $90 million refurbishment programme.