The Gander, Chef Jesse Schenker’s American restaurant and Bar Room, opened April 3, 2014 in the Flatiron District. The Gander’s menu is a sophisticated take on Schenker’s contemporary American fare accompanied by a deep, global wine list.

People were first introduced to Schenker’s cuisine at recette, the urban American restaurant which opened to critical acclaim in 2010. Since then, the 31-year-old chef has garnered numerous distinctions including his inclusion in Details magazine’s “America’s Best Young Chefs” in August 2011 and Zagat’s “30 Hottest Chefs Under 30” list.  Schenker was also named one of Restaurant Hospitality magazine’s “11 to Watch in 2011” and was awarded a spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” Food & Wine Industry List in 2011.

Schenker’s progressive style of cooking is first reflected in his bar snacks which include his signature “Buffalo Sweetbreads” from recette as well as other creative dishes such as Brisket “Tots”, a play on tater tots using the flavors of a traditional Reuben, and a variety of composed charcuterie dishes. With his starters, Schenker reimagines the classics such as the Sea Trout Tartare, featuring traditional beef tartare accompaniments of red onion, egg and capers. Housemade pastas like the Spaghetti & Clams with razor clams, littlenecks and geoduck, emphasize Schenker’s ability to provide updated interpretations of familiar favorites. Seasonally-inspired seafood, poultry and meat dishes, like Branzino with charred romaine and bread sauce and Duck Breast with parsnip, squash and jus, round out the menu. 

Guests can enjoy an expansive, thoughtfully curated wine list of European and American wines at a wide price range, with a selection of rare vintage wines. The dynamic list also features a number of bottles from smaller production regions in France and countries like Slovenia.  James Beard award winning designer Thomas Schlesser transformed the space into a warm and welcoming atmosphere that blends mid-century American and contemporary design.  Guests enter through the vibrant Bar Room, a 64-seat area reserved exclusively for walk-in diners and imbibers.  The lively space welcomes groups and individuals alike, and features a long, marble-topped bar, open-backed banquets and rustic vinous-inspired artwork from Italian artist Giorgio Morandi.  The dining room, clad in custom-made wallpaper that mimics French graffiti and warm earth tones, seats 86.  A Private Dining area downstairs can accommodate up to 250 guests and can also be divided into sections for more intimate gatherings.