It’s all about the experience at Goodhouse, which opened July 17 in Mount Kisco. The tri-level space, with an emphasis on live music, is more than your standard restaurant.
Instead, it’s been designed for entertaining with lots of customized touches including balcony seating, a tropical-themed rooftop, a highly curated gift shop and an intimate Sound and Spirits room designed for those who appreciate vinyl.
Vincent Ficarra, a partner and chief designer behind the project, said the goal was to create something that felt like a New York City townhouse where “Mr. and Mrs. Goodhouse could entertain their friends.” Each floor, he said, has been created with different experiences in mind. The first floor — complete with a disco ball and high-end mixing console/DJ booth — acts as the main area with the bar and stage. The second floor, with a host of upholstered chairs, sofas and nooks and crannies, is like a living/dining room; and the third, with its rooftop views, custom-built cabanas, second bar and indoor-outdoor ambiance, is the breezy Mediterranean-styled cocktail lounge.
Some background
Originally conceived as a social club — and operating on a pop-up basis from March to May (complete with a ghost kitchen) — the restaurant is now fully operational, minus the Sound and Spirits Room which will eventually be reservable as a listening room. According to co-owner Mike Voron, the focus has changed from its first incarnation as a member-focused concept to be more public-facing, although membership for some perks are in the works, specifically ticket bundles for multiple events as well as co-working on the second floor, which should open in the next few weeks.
Because of the three-level setup, Voron said they looked at the space as a “dynamic hospitality project” as opposed to just a restaurant.
“Our concept is not just about food and beverage,” he stressed. “It’s about food/beverage/entertainment and community.”
“They” includes himself, a former educator who decided to follow his passion, Ficarra, founder of the design agency Revolver New York (and a renowned graffiti artist and illustrator) and Ari Fink, a longtime music executive, on-air Sirius FM host and creator of multiple artist-branded channels such as the Dave Matthews Band Radio and Phish Radio. All, along with Betti Barone, executive chef Gabriel Sorgi and Voron’s wife Ali, are partners.
Thanks to Fink’s connections, Goodhouse has already become a place for national touring musicians, with more acts to come. Fink is especially excited for Flavor Drop on July 31, an improvisational group which performs classic 90s hip-hop tracks. He’s also looking forward to showcasing as much local talent as possible. Other events down the road include comedy, magic, family programming and more (bear in mind some events are ticketed, while others are free).
Fink also thoughtfully curates a playlist each night as a way to set the mood — and mix up the vibe. That includes incorporating live music from the first level to the sound system on the third floor (eventually, there will also be a screen so diners can watch).
What about the food?
As much as music and decor are a focus, so, too, is the food as headed by Sorgi, who’s had a long career launching and scaling dozens of restaurants and properties across the country. Voron describes the food, which will change seasonally and runs the gamut from steak to fish, as “refined yet approachable,” often with fusion influences.
Sorgi goes a step further saying it’s ingredient-driven and rooted in simplicity and draws “from classic and Mediterranean traditions with slight Asian nuances that add depth and balance.”
Sample dishes include Atlantic halibut with caviar and butter sauce, Lamb Loin Chops with a pistachio and honey-vanilla sauce, Black Sesame Pork Buns, Scallop Crudo, Summer Salad and Hand-Cut Steak Tartare.
Drinks are another important Goodhouse aspect with a variety of mocktails and cocktails, the latter of which often include Newburgh-based Spirits Lab.
More than a restaurant
And there’s a store. Ali Voron, who previously owned the since closed Peace Revival in Cross River, now runs The Shop at Goodhouse featuring an assortment of gifts such as glassware, books, jewelry, sunglasses, artisan crafts, and home decor. Eventually, the store’s curated items will be available throughout the space so diners can buy whatever they see.
With a space this big, Mike Voron said it was clear from the beginning, they couldn’t just offer good food and drink. “Between the food, the music and the store, there’s lots of options to draw people,” he said.
“We want this to be a place anyone can come and feel at home.”
If you go
Address: 130 E, Main St., Mount Kisco, 914-244-9780, goodhouse.club.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday to Saturday; from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday (the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. weekdays but there is a late night dining menu). Closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s.
Good to know: The space can be rented for private parties. Also good to know: You can reserve one of the two cabanas on the roof.
Look for: Lunch and brunch, the latter of which will feature live music, are to come.
Live music: Some events are ticketed, with costs from $10 to $45 per person. Check their website for details.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Goodhouse is ‘more than a restaurant’: See what’s newly opened in Mount Kisco
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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