King's sister pub: a culinary oasis born from motherhood and michelin dreams
Chef Jess Shadbolt and beverage director Annie Shi’s King, a downtown dining institution, has spawned a new haven for discerning palates: Dean’s, a cozy pub just steps away, blending effortless elegance with a distinctly modern sensibility.
A decade of ‘easy exhale’ dining
Since opening its doors in 2016, King redefined upscale dining in New York City, thanks to its constantly evolving seasonal menu and a wine list brimming with coveted bottles. Now, Dean’s carries on that legacy, offering a similar experience – a space where conversation flows as freely as the exceptional wine – and a palpable sense of relaxed luxury.
Crafted with a vintage soul
The pub’s design, masterminded by Billy Cotton of the eponymous studio, draws heavily from Shadbolt’s Suffolk, England, roots. Think mahogany butcher-block counters, Douglas fir paneling, and a carefully curated selection of vintage finds, including a curved glass curio cabinet displaying pewter mugs and an oversized coal scuttle that doubles as a wine display. It’s a deliberate juxtaposition – a grounding in tradition within a contemporary setting.
More than just a meal
Shadbolt and Shi haven’t just built a menu; they’ve constructed an atmosphere. The Stargazy Pie, with its uniquely presented mackerel head, is a testament to this—a dish that immediately sparks conversation. And the Artelium Curator’s Cuvée, a sparkling blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, perfectly complements both the pie and the bacon and malt vinegar scallops, demonstrating a meticulous pairing strategy.
A family affair, from kitchen to bar
Opening Dean’s wasn’t without its challenges. Shadbolt welcomed her first child during the restaurant’s development, a testament to the demanding duality of a female chef navigating the restaurant world. Shi’s Michelin-recognized wine bar, Lei, further showcases her culinary prowess.
Spontaneity and shared moments
“We wanted to create something accessible, something that invites you to linger,” Shi explained on the pub’s opening night. “Dean’s is about pop in, grab a drink, and reconnect – a welcome antidote to the frantic pace of city life.” The pub’s success, with every seat occupied on its first night, speaks volumes about this desire for genuine connection.
A refined legacy
Shadbolt adds, “These references struck a balance, where they didn’t feel foreign to the food that’s being made with beauty and great clarity.” Dean’s isn’t simply a pub; it’s an extension of the Shadbolt & Shi vision – a space where the pursuit of exquisite food and drink intertwines with the rhythms of everyday life, and the joy of shared moments.”