Chef John D’Amore of Syracuse’s newest restaurant, The York, has tailored his menu to meat and seafood lovers with unorthodox pairings like blue cheese and mussels, bone marrow and cran-apple chutney—all complemented by local produce. His menu is honest, raw, and confident.

The York has an eclectic ambiance suggesting a Chelsea influence. Its decor carries an industrial chic vibe with refined elements: a poured concrete bar, chandeliers and wicker chairs with lounge-style seating. Lying back on a wicker chair after eating as many courses as I was allowed to order, I saw the vision that Chef John D’Amore and Owner Danny Vault had in mind when bringing the York to Armory Square.

I had the pleasure to talk to Chef D’Amore about his take on Modern American cuisine and how he is changing the landscape of Syracuse’s restaurant scene.

Bone Marrow at The York

How Has Syracuse been accepting your menu?

“They love it. It’s new. The people here are used to traditional Italian. They love the concept of Modern American.”

The ingredients you choose highlight the bone marrow and the mussels, and the chutney brings a sweetness to the palate which pairs well with the savory marrow.

“I try to hit all points of the palate. The sweet, you’ll be feeling that in the back of your palette, and with the saltiness, it creates a balance.”

Mussels and Blue Cheese from The York

How have you incorporated fresh ingredients from Syracuse?  Do you change your dishes often to reflect new produce that is made available to you?

“Yeah, every Saturday morning I’m at the market buying whatever great produce I can find and I immediately add it to the dishes.”

To keep with the honesty of the food in your restaurant, will you be keeping things seasonal? For instance, your bone marrow dish comes with cran-apple chutney—will that change?

“For fall, we are keeping the bone marrow on the menu, but we’re staying seasonal so we will be changing that to pear and fig for the fall.”

If you go:

The York

247 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, NY; (315) 701-0636

Type of food: Modern American

Hours:
Sun. – Closed

Mon-Wed. LUNCH: 11:00AM-2:00PM

DINNER: 4:00PM-12:00AM (Kitchen open until 10:00PM)

Thurs-Sat. LUNCH: 11:00AM-2:00PM

DINNER: 4:00PM-2:00AM (Kitchen open until 11:00PM)

Sit Down/Take Out/Both: Sit Down

Cost: $$

Alcohol: YES!