As the autumn air settles over the city, BLACKBARN offers the ultimate cozy escape with a fresh seasonal menu and a new executive chef.
On a crisp October night, BLACKBARN in New York City hosted an exclusive tasting event. The evening debuted an array of new fall dishes and introduced Executive Chef Israel Reyes. Born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, Chef Reyes moved to the United States with his sister at age 15. Soon after, he began his cooking career out of necessity for his family. From there, he started as a line cook and worked his way up to executive level.

(Courtesy Elizabeth)
From the moment you walk in, the cozy, rustic atmosphere and incredible scents completely set the tone for the night. Throughout the evening, I sampled several new dishes that I can go on and on about. Specifically, my personal favorites were the Yellow Beet & Carrot Kale Salad, Pork Belly Bao Buns, and Confit Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza. To complement the meal, I paired it with their new signature cocktail, Sweater Weather, a rich blend of apple bourbon, BLACKBARN’s signature Eagle Rare, lemon, Grand Marnier, and some apple cider.

(Courtesy Elizabeth)
In the end, under Chef Reyes’ direction, BLACKBARN’s fall debut proves that genuine passion and grit create the best outcomes. Between the new dishes and warm ambiance, it is the ultimate cozy escape as the city heads into the colder months.