In the heart of the East Village, the blend of artistry and anarchy proves profitable at Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table.
In the heart of New York City, Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table offers a unique and intimate dining experience that seamlessly blends art, anarchy, and refined coziness. This wine bar and restaurant, known for its focus on natural and biodynamic wines, is the brainchild of co-owners Elena Hull Cournot and Alexis Percival.
Elena Hull Cournot, a painter, designer, and creative arts therapist, is responsible for the restaurant's artistic atmosphere. Her hand-painted and assembled menus, as well as a striking portrait of a horse wearing an orange garland of flowers, can be seen throughout the venue. Hull Cournot, who studied business, aimed to create a wine bar with the open feel of a museum, inviting patrons to focus on the art, with the art at Ruffian being the food, the service, and the wine.
The small plates at Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table are the culinary creations of Josh Ochoa and Andy Alexandre. Ochoa, who grew up with a melange of Mexican, Californian, and Tex-Mex cuisine, and Alexandre, who spent his childhood in Haiti before moving to New York City as a teenager, have both been cooking for their entire lives. The partners at Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table met while working at the more traditionally structured Floyd Cardoz restaurant Tabla.
Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table stands out from traditional restaurant hierarchies. Patrick Cournot, a beverage director and co-owner, announced that the burrata made by cook Nicole Bruno is great during a photo shoot, highlighting the collaborative nature of the team. Upon discussing the lack of hierarchy, Cournot and Percival laugh, reflecting the warm, inclusive, and convivial environment that Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table fosters.
The wine list at Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table, curated by Cournot and Percival, focuses on orange and Eastern European bottles. This unique selection adds another layer to the dining experience, allowing patrons to discover new and exciting wines while enjoying the chef-driven small plates.
Whether you're seeking a casual yet sophisticated evening out or an immersive art and dining experience, Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table is a must-visit destination in New York City.
At Ruffian Wine Bar & Chef's Table, Elena Hull Cournot, with her artistic flair, has designed a home-and-garden aesthetic that immerses patrons in an artful lifestyle, from her hand-crafted menus to her striking art pieces. The unique wine list, carefully curated by Hull Cournot and Percival, showcases a selection that extends beyond the traditional, inviting guests to explore lesser-known, home-and-garden-style wines as they savor the creative small plates.
