Husband and wife restaurateurs, Ryan and Kelleanne Jones, recently opened a tasting menu concept, Honeysuckle Rose, a project they say was years in the making. The couple’s restaurant group, Free Reign Restaurants, includes Southbound, Community Table, and recently shuttered BarPizza.
“It’s definitely something we’ve always wanted to do, and it was just going to take the perfect space,” Kelleanne Jones said of the new concept. “It’s the perfect size for a tasting. It’s very intimate and quaint.”
The space on the corner of Fishburne and President streets was formerly occupied by John Zucker’s French restaurant Purlieu. According to the Jones, it is just under 1,000 square feet, with the dining room occupying about 400 to 450 square feet, and can accommodate 30 seats.
The couple decked out Honeysuckle Rose in charcoal black with black tables contrasting against soft blue velvet chairs and white plates for cozy pops of lightness that set the scene for intimate candlelit dinners.
Honeysuckle Rose offers a prix fixe eight-course meal, with wine pairings curated for each course, and the small size and darker lighting create a comfortable, carefully curated tasting experience.
Free Reign CFO Andrew Malandro, along with Restaurant: Impossible alumni and director of culinary chef, Itálo “Tito” Marino and director of beverage and hospitality operations Shane Meszaros, lead the way with the Jones to create an interactive and immersive experience for the guest. Each professional showcases their respective talent and knowledge throughout the night.
Honeysuckle Rose hosts four seatings weekly: at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Similar to R Kitchen and other tasting menu restaurants, Honeysuckle Rose’s guests are expected to arrive 15 minutes before their reservation to ensure that the tasting begins promptly at the designated times.
Malandro is outside to greet guests, while Meszaros offers a glass of Champagne as guests wait for the doors to open. Kelleanne Jones leads each group to their table and gives a quick welcome along with Ryan, who then explains the first course with Meszaros. Marino and Meszaros present each following course with a toast and takeout treat to top off the night.
Even without the take-home treat, Honeysuckle Rose will surely bring its guests an unforgettable night. As the kids say, the vibes are immaculate.
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