Inside Chef Mendes' luxurious new Veranda in SoHo
Chef George Mendes is taking off the wraps of his new restaurant, Veranda, a stylish new restaurant at the Modernhaus SoHo Hotel featuring open-air dining and several terraces for sharing a cocktail or two. Here's what you will find...
Ceviche with Florida red snapper, charred onion, vegetable juices, Mezcal
Mediterranean shrimp with Portuguese/Goan curry
Roasted Tomato Flatbread with basil, and aged Parmesan
Croquettes with salt cod, potato, and sweet smoked paprika mayo
(Food Photos: Evan Sung)
The restaurant is a collaboration between Mendes, restaurateur David Rabin, and catering and events group Abigail Kirsch.
Chef George Mendes
Mendes, who is executive chef and partner, is known for his elevated Portuguese fare at Aldea, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Flatiron. His Portuguese spot Lupulo which opened in 2015 at the Eventi Hotel was inspired by the breweries of Lisbon.
David Rabin (L), Chef Mendes (R)
Partnering with Mendes is David Rabin, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, recognized for his involvement in places like American Bar, The Lambs Club, more recently Sona and Veranda as well as rooftop bars, JIMMY and The Skylark.
Johnny Swet
JIMMY co-founder and mixologist Johnny Swet is working the cocktails which include the Cross Fit Paloma (tequila, grapefruit, stevia-turmeric syrup, lime & grapefruit seltzer), a Charred Shishito Margarita and Pomegranate Moscow Mule. The extensive wine list is curated by sommelier, Lee Campbell.
Photo: Andre Maier
The spacious main dining is reminiscent of a greenhouse, situated beneath a retractable glass pergola that allows Veranda to transform seamlessly between indoor and outdoor dining experiences year round. It's the centerpiece of several food & beverage offerings throughout the space, including the adjacent Bar at Veranda, where guests can settle into plush seats or step out onto the terrace overlooking Grand Street for cocktails and snacks.
Photo: Nikolas Koenig (Also Top)
The Bar Back, a multi-level garden with an outdoor fireplace to enjoy small bites and drinks, has its own entrance just around the corner on Sixth Avenue. A retail area offers Veranda provisions ranging from Mendes' homemade sourdough to olive oil, jams and butter, while a dedicated events space beneath the restaurant, beautifully illuminated by a skylight over the bar, can accommodate a range of private gatherings.
Veranda is located at 23 Grand Street, New York, NY (212) 201-9117 Website