Shaken, Not Stirred

NO. 9 PARK was a jewel of the Beacon Hill restaurant scene for decades, a go-to for stiff cocktails and special occasion meals. Now, the space houses Nine, a reimagined fine dining concept and a chic gin palace primed for both anniversary diners and after-work drinks.

Allan Rodriguez, the Boston restaurateur behind Newbury Street concepts La Neta and Sabina Mezcaleria, as well as El Centro in the South End, took over the space shortly after its closure with the goal of honoring No. 9 Park’s legacy in a fresh new way.

“I am thrilled to introduce Nine to Boston and preserve the rich history of this beloved location,” says Rodriguez. “Our team comprises the industry’s top talent and each member has brought unique expertise to the table.”

Diners can choose from a chef’s tasting menu or an à la carte meal. Chef Andrew Simonich, former chef de cuisine at No. 9 Park, has preserved a few favorites from the old menu, including the steak tartare. But he’s enjoying the creative freedom that the new concept brings.

The lamb chop on the a la carte menu is paired with a black olive caramel for a sweet and salty fusion and a fennel confit with olive oil and orange zest to bring aromatics to the dish. After a traditional French-style preparation, the dish is glazed with a Calabrian chili butter. Much of the menu begins with traditional dishes like this one that are given a fresh spin with dynamic flavor pairings.

A BROADER EUROPEAN FEEL

“I’m definitely leaning more towards the modern food trends,” says Simonich. “My experience has been very European, French and Italian, but I’m opening myself up more to a broader European feel.”

The gin palace, modeled after lavish Victorian English pubs that specialized in gin, features an extensive collection of the spirit and a menu of cocktails paying homage to prohibition’s favorite drink. Nine also offers a robust wine list and other spirits.

No. 9 Park closed in the midst of a slew of toxic workplace investigations and a lawsuit levied against former chef and owner Barbara Lynch by the City of Boston for $1.7 million in unpaid personal property taxes. Unfortunately, the devoted hospitality team was collateral damage as Lynch’s restaurant empire crumbled.

When Rodriguez and Simonich took over, preserving jobs for the longtime staff members was a crucial goal. Simonich says about 50% of the original No. 9 Park back of house staff returned behind the line at Nine.

For many local regulars who grew to know and love the staff, this news is as sweet as the strawberry sofrito polenta on the new menu.

“The neighborhood was anxiously awaiting our return,” says Simonich. “We’re excited to be that home base right on the corner of Park and Beacon."

BY CELINA COLBY