Each month we publish a round-up of the most exciting new openings across food and drink around the world over on the tfp trendhub. Here are some of the highlights from April 2023 from New York, Melbourne, San Francisco, London and more.
Jac's On Bond, New York
Authentic Hospitality, the name behind celeb-studded hotspots Ray's and Pebble Bar, is back with its latest venture Jac's on Bond. This is designed to be a spot (and yes, it's stylish) that you can stroll into for a drink on the spur of the moment and not have to worry about it being too fancy. There's a pool table at the back of the room while the warm wood tones and aged brass keep the atmosphere casual. There are all the normal drinks on offer with a cocktail menu that incorporates unexpected twists like shiso and sesame whilst a scotch old fashioned is given a banana bread twist. If the team's other projects are anything to go by, Jac's on bond is destined to draw a crowd.
Find out more here.
JOIA, London
Unless you have been living under a rock these past couple of years, you will know that London's iconic Battersea Power Station has had a complete renovation. Making it his new home is Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sa Pessoa who has opened JOIA on the 15th floor of the new art'otel development. Along with the incomparable views of the South London skyline comes a menu that is true to the robust flavours of Portugal with an emphasis on seafood, pork and rice. There are snacks to enjoy alongside more substantial dishes such as Madeira-braised pork cheeks and aged steak from the Josper grill as well as an extensive list of Portuguese wines and vermouths.
Find out more here.
Copra, San Francisco
Michelin two-star chef Srijith "Sri" Gopinathan has just opened his latest Indian food concept, Copra. Despite being renowned for blending Indian cuisine with Californian tastes, this time his focus is on Southern Indian food, specifically Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Gopinathan explains that the three cuisines share many ingredients such as seafood, tamarind, plantains and rice. His menu begins with bites and small plates like slow-cooked octopus and chargrilled bone marrow with chukka masala. Larger plates include a cauliflower-green apple curry plus plenty of seafood dishes. As for rice, there are 10 varieties on the menu, all treated differently depending on the grains' shape and colour, from boiling to steaming and fermenting.
Find out more here.
Showroom Bar, Melbourne
Boutique hotel The Royce has opened its doors in a former Rolls-Royce showroom and with it comes the Showroom Bar. The building in which it is housed was originally built in 1928 and the bar has taken its design cues from this art deco era. The nine metre bar is the centre point of the space along with curved staircases, tiered chandeliers and sumptuous leather and marble. As you would expect, the drinks menu has it all covered, from cocktails to wine to liqueurs and digestifs. And guests can enjoy a range of snacks too ranging from lighter sides to more substantial dishes.
Find out more here.
GG's Chicken Shop, Chicago
Michelin-starred chef Lee Wolen has opened the doors to GG's Chicken Shop. It is part of the Boka Restaurant Group's latest venture which has taken over a 120 year old building in Southport Lanes. Wolen has taken inspiration from his childhood when he would share a rotisserie chicken with his mum for supper. On the menu is a mix of fried and rotisserie as well as a chicken burger served with gouda, pickles and roasted garlic aioli. Sides are oretty extensive too with the likes of crispy Brussels sprouts with chilli lime salt, sweet corn elote and chicken drippings smashed potatoes. There is seating for just 20 but diners can also opt for delivery or takeaway.
Find out more here.
Lucy Wong, London
The folks behind Opium, one of the best cocktail bars in the UK, have brought another slice of Asian inspiration to London. Whilst Opium transports its drinkers to 1920s Shanghai, Lucy Wong is bringing a taste of 1950s Hong Kong to the city. The decor reflects this with plenty of Chinese design inspiration. As for the drink offerings, expect timeless glamour and utter decadence with Asian imagination. Cocktails include the Shanghai 75, the Cherry Blossom Manhattan and the Dragon Old Fashioned whilst dim sum platters are just one of the dishes on offer.
Find out more here.
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Every month we compile more comprehensive lists of the most noticeable openings in both food and drink from around the world over on the tfp trendhub. Subscribers can see these lists for April in full over on our foodwatching and drinkswatching reports. If you're not yet subscribed but are interested in receiving our regular reporting service then get in touch using the form below.