Porchlight, Danny Meyer's First Bar, Will Open On March 2

Porchlight, the first standalone bar from Union Square Hospitality Group which, according to Danny Meyer, was first contemplated at least five years ago, is just days away from its grand opening.

On Monday, February 23, the USHG team hosted a press preview of Porchlight, the brainchild of Blue Smoke co-founder Mark Maynard-Parisi. 

Though cocktails have always been a part of the equation at Meyer's restaurants, Porchlight — which actually has a porch inside — will sharpen the focus on mixology. The food, in the words of Meyer, "understands that it's the best supporting actress of Porchlight. It's not the main event."

That doesn't mean, however, that this team is about to skimp on the bar snacks.  

The menu, from Blue Smoke's own executive chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois — whose work recently received not a small amount of praise from The New York Times — will highlight Southern cuisine and Bourgeois' own Louisiana heritage. Expect to see items like boiled peanut hummus and frog legs.

As for the cocktail menu, signature drinks crafted by general manager Michael Shain and head bartender Nicholas Bennett will include Flagg Day (Rittenhouse Rye, Cardamaro, and orange liqueur), Gun Metal Blue (Mezcal Vida, Blue Curacao, peach brandy, lime, and cinnamon), and Whiskey and Cola (Mellow Corn Whiskey, Fernet Vallet, and housemade cola syrup).