BWW Preview: BAR GONZO in Hells Kitchen

Bar Gonzo is a freewheeling, 70s-inspired restaurant and lounge in Hell's Kitchen. Influenced by the exploits of literary libertines Hunter S. Thompson, George Plimpton, Ernest Hemingway and their ilk, Gonzo skillfully marries modern sophistication with retro vibes and revelry.

The culinary program is the work of Chef R.L. King, a talented veteran of both The Heath and Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel (home of "Sleep No More"), as well as il Buco, Hundred Acres and Five Points. Chef King's menu is inspired by coastal California and Mediterranean flavors, and he utilizes seasonal ingredients sourced responsibly.

Guests at Bar Gonzo are encouraged to start their evening with items from the raw bar, hand cut artisan cheeses from Saxelby Cheesemongers, cured meats and marinated green market vegetables, before moving on to grilled brochettes, and the restaurant's signature item - the Latch Key Kid Pizza. A cheeky take on an iconic childhood staple - frozen french bread pizza - Bar Gonzo's haute version employs custom ciabatta-style bread made fresh daily at Grandaisy Bakery and topped with housemade tomato sauce, a variety of cured meats and cheeses. Most dairy items are sourced through Ronnybrook in upstate New York and coffee comes courtesy of Sey Coffee in Bushwick.

Chef King's dishes are designed for sharing, and are complemented by drinks crafted by beverage consultant, Tim Cooper, a veteran of Flatiron Lounge and Surf Lodge. The menu features an array of sparkling cocktails, large-format punches and tiki drinks served in playful glassware. In addition to dinner and cocktails, the lounge will be open late and host an array of talent on select evenings - from fire breathers to burlesque performers, famous DJs and everything in between.

From delicious food to decadent cocktails and over-the-top special events and entertainment, Bar Gonzo aims to reignite some of the hedonistic magic of an erstwhile era.

The work of Turjeman Jaakov in collaboration with Chef King and his team, Bar Gonzo's vibrant interiors merge inspiration from 70s nightlife haunts like the Polo Lounge, Old San Juan Hotel and swanky Las Vegas nightclubs with modern New York flare. The color palette is dominated by pink, green, blue and gold, and the bi-level space is outfitted with mid-century modern furniture, marble detailing, neon signage and a variety of peacock statues; the peacock is often said to possess preternatural wisdom, beauty and integrity - it's Bar Gonzo's spirit animal.

Set over two floors, the Bar Gonzo experience begins at the aptly-named Peacock Bar and 40-seat dining room on the ground level. Revelers heading to the second floor will ascend a dramatic marble staircase - to their left, they'll take in the raw bar and charcuterie station; just ahead is the entrance the expansive Cabana Veranda terrace. Outfitted for all seasons and weather, Cabana Veranda has 100 seats and a capacity of 150. The space boasts a series of chic cabanas around the perimeter, with a tiki-style bar in the center and ample seating throughout.

Meet the head Gonzo, Chef + Owner R.L. King:

Born in Albany, Georgia and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Chef R.L. King spent his childhood cooking alongside his father at the family's fried chicken restaurant, Maryland Fried Chicken. The young cook went on to work at restaurants in Hilton Head and Charleston, including at Slightly North of Broad under his mentor Frank Lee, before moving to Washington, D.C., where he worked as the sous chef at several acclaimed eateries. During Chef King's tenure at Vidalia, the restaurant was honored with a James Beard award; after opening Eric Ripert's Westend Bistro, it was named the best new restaurant in D.C. by the Washington Post.

His next stop was Manhattan - Chef King worked his way up from garde manger to sous chef at il Buco before being tapped to revamp the menus at beloved New York mainstays, Hundred Acres and Five Points. Most recently, Chef King co-founded New York's premier fast casual sandwich shop, Untamed Sandwiches, and served as the opening and executive chef at both Gallow Green and Health at the McKittrick Hotel. He gleaned valuable inspiration from the venues' association with Sleep No More, and will bring a touch of that experiential magic and artistry to his work at Bar Gonzo.

Chef King is also a founding member of Chefs for Human Rights and Bar Gonzo will support the organization and other like-minded charities.

Bar Gonzo is located at 515 Ninth Avenue (at 39th and 9th Avenue) New York, NY 10018. The hours are Sunday - Wednesday with Dinner: 5pm-11pm; bar until 2am. Thursday - Saturday with Dinner: 5pm-12am; bar until 2am. Call 212-967-1985 and visit www.bargonzonyc.com.

Photo Credit: Simmer Group

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