Samba Brands Management Unveils SUGARCANE raw bar grill

SUGARCANE RAW BAR GRILL DEBUTS FIRST NEW YORK LOCATION UNDER THE ICONIC BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Celebrated Chef Timon Balloo Helms Multi-Concept Eatery in Vibrant Dumbo Neighborhood

Samba Brands Management Unveils SUGARCANE raw bar grillToday, Samba Brands Management and Chef Partner Timon Balloo unveil SUGARCANE raw bar grill (55 Water Street) in the 150-year-old Empire Stores landmark building in the heart of the lively Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y.  The beloved Miami-born eatery best known for its creative take on globally inspired small plates boldly joins the flourishing dining scene on the waterfront with a space designed by award-winning design firm Cetra/Ruddy.

“Brooklyn is a community that offered us a home in one of the most iconic and picturesque locations in America, as well as being part of the culinary epicenter of New York City,” said Danielle Billera, Managing Partner of Samba Brands Management. “SUGARCANE raw bar grill’s laid-back charm and global soul, coupled with Chef Timon’s unique and celebrated approach to the world’s flavors, make it one of the most special places to me.”

THE CUISINE

James Beard-nominated Chef Balloo is recognized for his unique culinary approach that draws inspiration from all regions of the world – accented by his own culturally diverse background – to create immersive flavors beloved by guests.

“No other city represents culinary diversity like New York does. Opening SUGARCANE raw bar grill here is the perfect opportunity to fuse our menu with the location imprint, as well as my own multicultural approach to cooking,” said Chef Balloo.

Globally inspired small plates come from three kitchens – an open fire grill, raw bar and traditional kitchen. The menu features SUGARCANE raw bar grill’s signature favorites including savory Bacon Wrapped Dates and Goat Cheese Croquettes, Korean-Style Grilled Beef Short Ribs, Hokkaido Scallop Crudos and, under the direction of Executive Sushi Chef Koji Kagawa, a range of Specialty Sushi Rolls. Balloo’s emphasis on seasonal ingredients is apparent in the fan-favorite Whole Roasted Chicken with truffled fingerling potatoes and a selection of daily market specials.

Dishes exclusive to the Brooklyn menu, inspired by the market’s freshest offerings, include: Creamy Duck & Foie Gras Rice served with smoked paprika and alliums, as well as Cauliflower Tahini with charred purée and za’atar roti.

With one of the most robust rum selections available, SUGARCANE raw bar grill pays homage to its namesake with rum-inspired cocktails including the Tobacco Rum Old Fashioned with Mount Gay Black Barrel, maple, Angostura bitters and homemade cigar bitters; the Beet Mojito with beet infused Flor de Caña rum and mint; and the Monteflor Mule, with Flor de Caña white rum, Amaro Montenegro, ginger beer, marasca cherry syrup and fresh thyme, all of which reflect the restaurant’s ethos of enjoying delicious food and drink with good friends.

THE DESIGN

Located in the historic, LEED-certified Empire Stores building, a Civil War era landmarked cargo warehouse, nestled between the iconic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the design of SUGARCANE raw bar grill carries the essence of the flagship in Miami while advancing its spirit to the Brooklyn waterfront in New York City. Award-winning international design firm CetraRuddy, in collaboration with Samba Brands Management, developed a design that maintains the authenticity of the original building, incorporating organic textures and elements, while introducing modern functional pieces, with touches of vibrancy that playfully contribute to the dining experience. Eclectic and welcoming, the restaurant boasts a 9,000-square foot interior, a 2,000-square foot outdoor patio, an 18-seat bar, two large communal tables, and an open kitchen in the spirit of the “come one, come all” vibe that the beloved brand has come to represent since its 2010 Miami debut.

“Our instinct was to minimally impact this monumental space by celebrating the elemental existing materials and its storied past to maintain its authenticity. New design elements highlight the cuisine through textural and crafted detail and vibrant color ensembles,” said Nancy J. Ruddy, Founding Principal of CetraRuddy. “For example, antiqued Cuban terra cotta tiles are embedded in raw concrete and hand-sewn fragments of South American caning create ledges for growing herbs that will be used in daily cooking.”

SUGARCANE raw bar grill is also available for private events. For more information and hours of operation, please call 718-473-9555 or visit sugarcanerawbargrill.com.

About SUGARCANE raw bar grill

SUGARCANE raw bar grill is located in Empire Stores at 55 Water Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn. The new 11,000-square-foot space will offer an All Day menu Monday through Sunday, as well as lunch Monday through Friday, and brunch Saturday and Sunday. Globally-inspired small plates come from three kitchens – an open fire grill, raw bar and traditional kitchen – overseen by award-winning Chef Partner Timon Balloo, inviting guests to “kick back, eat well and stay awhile.” Embarking on a quest to celebrate the simple pleasures in life – eating well and celebrating with friends – the restaurant focuses on a “shared experience.” With beloved locations in Miami, Las Vegas and Brooklyn, SUGARCANE raw bar grill has garnered widespread recognition, having received numerous awards including “Best New Restaurant” semi-finalist by the James Beard Foundation; “Best Restaurant” by Johnson & Wales; “Restaurant of the Year” by Eater; “Best New Restaurant” by Miami New Times and two three-star reviews by the Miami Herald. For more information, please visit sugarcanerawbargrill.com. Follow SUGARCANE raw bar grill on Instagram @sugarcanerawbargrill and facebook.com/sugarcanerawbargrill.

About Samba Brands Management

Samba Brands Management (SBM) was founded by Shimon Bokovza, Danielle Billera and Matthew Johnson. The company operates SUGARCANE raw bar grill in Miami, Las Vegas and Brooklyn. Bokovza, Billera and Johnson are also the founders and managing partners of Orange Brands Management (OBM), which owns and operates SUSHISAMBA restaurants in London, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Miami and New York and Duck & Waffle and Duck & Waffle Local in London. With decades of combined restaurant experience, the company continues to expand their cutting-edge concepts. The company boasts unpredictable and impressive venues, spearheads visions that set trends in the industry, and places an attention to culinary excellence at the foundation of its success.