This past week, Michelin-recognized restaurant Sweetbriar hosted a special happy hour to celebrate their January partnership with the tequila brand we all know and love, Don Julio.
The event was held in Sweetbriar’s industry lounge, a cozy bar area in the front of the restaurant with comfy seating, ambient lighting and live piano playing. Complementary cocktails were available for the first hour of the night and served alongside dishes from the restaurant’s menu.
Sweetbriar used Don Julio’s classic Blanco Tequila to pour Paloma margaritas for their guests and made sure to include the drink’s classic Tajin salted rim. The cocktail was sweet while still maintaining its tart grapefruit base. The tequila was present but not overpowering. The tajin salted rim enhanced the tasting experience even further by contrasting against the Paloma’s sweetness, making for an enjoyable beverage even for the most spice-averse of cocktail drinkers. Bites for the night included potato wedges sprinkled with fried onions and greens paired with a garlicy aioli, juicy sweet chili chicken wings, flatbread crisps and ribs. Attendees also received fun Don Julio freebies, including a mini tequila bottle pin, trendy frameless mirror glasses and tequila themed temporary tattoos.
Even if you don’t make it to Sweetbriar on time to enjoy their Don Julio drinks this month, the restaurant is definitely worth adding to any NYC foodie’s to-do list. The modern American restaurant is Located in NoMad’s Park South Hotel and led by executive chef Bryce Shuman. Shuman’s background includes working at three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park for six years then opened Betony, another Michelin-starred NYC restaurant. Sweetbriar’s menu features intricate twists on beloved American classics. At Sweetbriar, a pub style soft pretzel and mustard combo is upgraded into pretzel crisps with mustard ricotta on the side. The restaurant also has live fire cooking, in house made dessert, and a beverage and wine program designed by Ivan Papic who has worked with restaurateur Keith McNally of Pastis and Balthazar fame and nightlife mogul Paul Sevigny at Beatrice Inn. All in all, there’s no wonder Sweetbriar was added to the Michelin Guide in 2022.
Click through the gallery for pictures of Sweetbriar’s interior and their delicious food.
