If there is one thing Nashville is known for besides its music, it is its plethora of food options. And the southern destination is adding to that list with one of the biggest names in the dining industry. The Hermitage Hotel, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, is partnering with Jean-Georges Vongerichten to open an onsite restaurant, his first in Nashville.
So, what can we expect from the Michelin-starred chef? The menu will include plant-based dishes and oven-fired pizzas that incorporate local flavors. In fact, some of the ingredients will be sourced from the hotel's own Garden at Glen Leven. "I am inspired by the bounty of the American South and look forward to honoring the recipes, flavors, and traditions of the region, while also presenting a global perspective at this beloved and iconic Music City landmark," Vongerichten told Departures in a statement.
And as far as the design, expect a modern vibe and simple palette of natural materials with dramatic lighting from the world-renowned Hervé Descottes of L'Observatoire International. Designer Thomas Juul-Hansen made sure to include a kitchen visible from the dining room and entirely bespoke furnishings like mother-of-pearl pendant lamps and curved banquettes. And to top it off, Juul-Hansen created an Instagram-worthy women's bathroom with pink marbles as a counterpart to The Hermitage's iconic art deco men's restroom.
RELATED: Michelin-Starred Restaurants Offering Luxurious Valentine’s Day Experiences At Home
Besides the main dining venue, there will also be a café under the master chef's helm. The more casual setup will include indoor and outdoor dining and will evolve throughout the day. In the morning, it will act as a coffee bar with pastries, become a casual takeaway lunch spot, and finally transform into a wine bar with light bites and cocktails in the evening hours. Vongerichten will also oversee all direction of the hotel's culinary operations for weddings, meetings, and high-profile events.
This opening, slated for September 2021, will mark another destination restaurant for the famous chef who has 39 acclaimed restaurants in New York City, Miami, London, Paris, Shanghai, and more.
