Barley & Grain opens on the Upper West Side

The team behind wine bar Tangled Vine turns its attention to whiskey with Barley & Grain, an American restaurant serving the dark stuff both in glasses and on plates, set to open August 9th. From the kitchen, chef Eli Kahlon (Balaboosta, Oceana) sends out elevated comfort food, with dishes like foie gras with truffles, pistachio puree and apricot-whiskey jam; "cowboy" steak with a bourbon demi-glace and tobacco onions; and free-range chicken with cilantro dip and that malt favorite, barley. The copper-topped bar is stocked with 100 whiskey varieties, hailing from the U.S., Scotland and Ireland: bourbons including 1792 Ridgemont Reserve and Pappy Van Winkle 23-year; Glenmorangie and Cragganmore Scotch; and rye such as Four Roses Yellow Label and Michter's. Along with the brown stuff, there are a dozen American craft brews on tap (Sly Fox Irish Stout, Empire White Aphro) at the 12-seat bar. Whitewashed brick walls, walnut-stained tables and leather banquettes decorate the rustic corner spot. See the opening menu below. 421 Amsterdam Ave at 80th St (646-360-3231)

MENU:

Small:
Housemade Sausages Pork & Fennel or Lamb & Olives    6
Short Rib Bites Caramelized Onion, Bacon, White Cheddar    8
Dry Aged Strip Loin Smoked Whiskey, Tobacco Onions    13   
Grilled Baby Lamb Lollipop Mint Cranberry Puree    7
Vegetable Croquette Black Lentils, Chickpea, Zucchini, Mint Sheep Yogurt    6
Foie Gras Truffles, Trumpet Mushroom Crust, Pistachio Puree, Apricot Whiskey Jam    18
   
Medium:
Tuna Crudo Barley Salad    13 
Crab Cake Sliders Lump Crab Meat, Roasted Pepper Remoulade    12
Roasted Eggplant Skordalia, Pine Nuts, Chili Oil    8
Kohlrabi Quinoa Salad Mango, Snow Peas, Marcona Crispy Almond    11   
Organic Local Green Salad Radish, Onion. Cherry Tomato, Apricot Fried Wild Rice    9
Kale & Beet Cheese Snow, Dried Cranberries, Champagne Vinaigrette    12
                                    
Large:
Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese Gruyere, White Cheddar, Buttered Breadcrumbs    18
B&G Burger 8oz Grass Fed, Brioche, New York Cheddar, Triple Cooked Fries    16
Seared Halibut Wild Mushrooms, Black Barley, Crispy Wild Rice, Carrot Ginger Puree    32
Free Range Plancha Chicken Boneless Half, Cilantro Dip, Black & White Barley     19
Beef Short Rib Celery Root Puree, Stout Glaze    23
Cowboy Steak 18oz Prime Rib-Eye, Triple Cooked Fries, Tobacco Onions, Bourbon Demi-Glaze    35
Porterhouse for Two 32oz Prime-Aged, Sliced, Choice of Three Sides    99

Raw & Chilled (By The Piece):
Jumbo Shrimp    4
Oysters East Coast    3                       
Little Neck Clams ½ Shell    2
Chilled Lobster    MKT

Sides:  7         
Triple Cooked Fries           
Celery Root Puree   
Organic Local Greens       
House Pickles
Black & White Barley

Desserts:  10
Chocolate Ganache Cake           
New York Cheesecake            
Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream       
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Fruit Crème Brulee