In March, Manhattan West added its latest cocktail destination, Chez Zou. The new addition to midtown Manhattan’s west side comes from the team behind Zou Zou’s, chef Madeline Sperling’s popular modern eastern Mediterranean restaurant that was one of New York’s most highly praised openings last fall.
Located on the 4th floor above Zou Zou’s in a space designed by AvroKo, Chez Zou is filled with deep jewel tones, bold prints, and lush greenery. The entry is dressed in light marble, which contrasts the walnut wood paneled walls. Curved glass niches are paired with black and white floor tiles and rust colored sofas, while an expansive outdoor terrace offers lounge-style seating. The alcove bar seats six.
Bar Director Joey Smith (formerly of The NoMad, EMP Summer House, and Booker and Dax) has created a menu inspired by the eastern Mediterranean. Cocktails are categorized by Jarras, Stiff Drinks, Shaken, Coladas, Highballs, and Bubbles. In the Jarras section, imbibers will find a variety of unique twists on classic serves, such as the Saffron Gibson (saffron-infused gin, vermouth, and house pickles) and the Dirty Zou (olive oil washed vodka, grape leaf, and Levantine cheese-stuffed olives). Stiff Drinks include Banana Danse (bourbon, banana, cardamom, chocolate, coconut) and Red Right Hand (dark rum, coffee, campari, Kashmiri chili). A selection of Shaken cocktails are offered, such as the Riad Star (vodka, spiced pineapple, pomegranate, raspberry) and Tamarind Julab (tequila, tamarind, chamomile, apple). Coladas include the Golden Colada (Guatemalan rum, golden raisins, arak, lime, pineapple, coconut), while the Highballs section features the Fig and Honey (sherry, red wine, fig leaf, honey, soda, compressed fig) and more. The Bubbles section includes drinks such as the Pickle Spritz (vermouth, champagne, verjus, pickled fennel).
On the food side, visitors will find a variety of light bites from chef Sperling, include Flaming Turkish Pistachios inspired by Prune, Scotch Olives with merguez and cured lemons, Zucchini Frites with herb aioli, and Kumamoto Oysters with barberry mignonette.
Located at 385 9th Avenue, 4th Floor, Chez Zou is open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm-1am.
For more information or to make reservations, head over to the bar’s official website.
