Sam Mason's Tailor has Arrived

[mkayahara]

So the word in the Twittersphere is that Eben Freeman is leaving Tailor. Can anyone confirm and/or provide any information on where he's headed next?

[daisy17]

Today's Eater report on Eben:

http://eater.com/archives/2009/09/more_trouble_for_tailor_eben_freeman_jumps_ship.php

[The Flame]

Anyone has any idea what Sam is up to this days?

I read he is doing a demo at star chefs with Stupak and Iuzzini. However I have no idea what his status is as far as Tailor goes, or if they are ever going to re-open the dining room? I'd love to go try any new desserts but it seems like Tailor is at a stand still.

[ulterior epicure]

I was just in Hong Kong, where I heard from a few chefs that he visits there quite frequently. Consulting gig, I assume. But I have no clue as to what he's up to in New York.

Edited September 21, 2009 by ulterior epicure (log)

[Tri2Cook]

Anyone has any idea what Sam is up to this days?

Hopefully working on that book he hinted at a year and a half or so ago... but I'm not betting on it.

[tan319]

I don't think there is a book in the works.

[tim e]

Anyone has any idea what Sam is up to this days?

This is probably old news, but his online show, Dinner With the Band, got picked up by the Independent Film Channel and begins in November. I'm looking forward to the Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings episode.

[LPShanet]

Anyone have any insight as to Tailor's current status? They were supposedly closed for July and August for a "revamp". Sadly, I assume this has more to do with revamping finances than decor. The message on their phone line states that they were only closing the dining room, and that only for those two months. But I'm not sure if they're open at all these days or whether they still plan on opening the dining room. Any info is greatly appreciated.

[tan319]

are they answering the phones?

[LPShanet]

are they answering the phones?

Their phones are still answered with the same recording they've had on for months, that states they'll be closed July and August, but that the bar will be open. Haven't gone by in person, but there's been no change to their phone situation and I haven't had a live person pick up.

[oakapple]

I stopped by Tailor after work to see what's up. The status quo prevails: the dining room is closed, the bar is open. Although Eben Freeman is gone, they are still serving his cocktails. The barista told me that there is a new mixologist who will be introducing new drinks, though they will still continue to serve many of Freeman's classics—as well they should. She said that they are still reasonably busy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

She also sounded confident that Mason will indeed be returning to Tailor and re-opening the dining room later this fall, after he finishes the TV show he had been working on.

The upstairs is eerily quiet. There is nobody upstairs, and when you open the door it feels like you're walking into someone's house with nobody home. There's a small sign, which you could easily miss, advising that the bar downstairs is open. Which it is, from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (later on weekends).

[taion]

I stopped by Tailor after work to see what's up. The status quo prevails: the dining room is closed, the bar is open. Although Eben Freeman is gone, they are still serving his cocktails. The barista told me that there is a new mixologist who will be introducing new drinks, though they will still continue to serve many of Freeman's classics—as well they should. She said that they are still reasonably busy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

She also sounded confident that Mason will indeed be returning to Tailor and re-opening the dining room later this fall, after he finishes the TV show he had been working on.

The upstairs is eerily quiet. There is nobody upstairs, and when you open the door it feels like you're walking into someone's house with nobody home. There's a small sign, which you could easily miss, advising that the bar downstairs is open. Which it is, from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (later on weekends).

Interesting. Do you know if it is still the case that they're serving food at the bar?

[oakapple]

Do you know if it is still the case that they're serving food at the bar?

It appears not. There is only a drinks menu posted outside, and that is the menu I was given. Places that serve food generally try to sell you some.

[LPShanet]

There is no food of any kind being served at the bar. I was there a couple of times in the last two weeks for drinks, and the kitchen is completely closed. In fact, the entire upstairs is sort of blocked off and you walk directly downstairs. Seems the bartenders have been told to just say that they will reopen the restaurant once Sam is done with his show, but I'm not sure how relevant that info is. I hope it's true. As far as the cocktail menu goes, they have been serving a variety of things from Eben's old cocktail menus, and there do seem to be some minor changes from week to week, though it's not clear if any of the added drinks were created by others, or if they're just rotating the old recipes in and out. Nonetheless, I had a few very nice drinks there last week.

[WillieLee]

I would like to take this chance to thank everyone for their support and kind words, but it's no surprise for me to say that I (sam mason) am no longer a part of Tailor restaurant. I left about 3 months ago, and tried to let them get a game plan together before I announced my departure. I really loved my restaurant and pour my everything into it, but sadly it was not meant to be. It was great to have a venue to show how I was trying to bridge the gap of sweet and savory dishes, and I think with the help of a great staff we succeeded. I am currently working hard on my T.V. series , and by no means plan on it being my only creative outlet. I do plan to start a new venture soon. I hope to see you under another topic then as well.

Thankfully,

sam mason

[tan319]

Can't say how sorry I am about this for you and your crew but happy that a lot more will be coming down the pike.

Great luck with IFC and the new series!

[WillieLee]

Thanks Ted.. hope all is well on your end.

[mkayahara]

Really sorry to hear this, Chef. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Tailor back in April (and meeting you!) and had hoped to return before too long. Best of luck on whatever your next project is. And be sure to keep us posted!

[Sethro]

That's sad news man, I loved Tailor. Good luck and I hope bigger, better things are ahead.

[tan319]

Question...

Why isn't any media covering this?

Like Eater/Grub Street/NYTimes food blog?

No mention on Tailors Facebook page/ website/any of their blogs.

As to the above, a legal issue?

Please, no snark from the haters

Thanks....

Edited November 10, 2009 by tan319 (log)

[basquecook]

I think the media has covered Tailor long enough. I don't really see this as breaking news or anything. I think the closing of Zoe is a bigger deal than this place.

[vivin]

I am extremely sorry to hear about this, chef. I live in Tribeca and Tailor was one of my favorites. My frequency of visits was kept down only by the fact that everytime I went, I would end up consuming vast quantities of sweets (I ate four desserts on a single visit once). I loved the concept. best to you.

[daisy17]

I think the media has covered Tailor long enough. I don't really see this as breaking news or anything. I think the closing of Zoe is a bigger deal than this place.

huh?

[oakapple]

Question...

Why isn't any media covering this?

Like Eater/Grub Street/NYTimes food blog?

No mention on Tailors Facebook page/ website/any of their blogs.

As to the above, a legal issue?

The only actual announcement is Sam Mason's post above, which has not been noticed more broady. I suspect that the owners still do not know what they will do with the space, so from their point of view there is nothing to announce. It is well known that Tailor is in bankruptcy, so yes, there could very well be legal issues.

[Tri2Cook]

Sorry things didn't work out Chef. On the bright side (for me anyway), maybe you'll find time now to think about that book you hinted at a while back. I'm still keeping a space open on my shelf (the working shelf with the books I actually use) for it.