New Wood-Fired Restaurant Ignites Downtown Schenectady’s Dining Scene!
A new wood-fired restaurant is set to open in downtown Schenectady, bringing a fresh dining concept to the area.
This follows the closure of Zen Asian Fusion Lounge, located at 469 State Street.
The same owners who operated Zen for over a decade have decided to start a new chapter by opening a new establishment called Ember & Cork in the same location.
The transformation of the space has been in the works since Zen closed in September.
Marc Alvarez, a seasoned chef with 40 years of culinary experience, is the executive chef and director of operations for Ember & Cork.
Originally from the Bronx, Alvarez has worked in Manhattan and beyond, even opening a restaurant called Ember in Anguilla.
After spending nearly a decade living outside the U.S., Alvarez returned to the Capital Region with his wife, who hails from Niskayuna, to take on this new project.
Zen Asian Fusion Lounge officially closed its doors on September 7. In a heartfelt note shared on Facebook, the owners expressed their gratitude to their loyal customers.
They wrote, “After 11 wonderful years spent with you, we have decided it is time to close our doors and begin another adventure.
We hope you have enjoyed this time with us as much as we have enjoyed it with you. Thank you for your generosity, hospitality, and patronage over the years.”
Since the closure, the space has undergone significant renovations to prepare for its new identity as Ember & Cork.
The sushi bar has been replaced with a crudo (raw) bar, and the décor has been updated to give the restaurant a fresh, modern feel. New tables and chairs were added, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the guests.
Ember & Cork’s menu is centered around wood-fired cuisine, offering a variety of dishes that Alvarez believes will appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The offerings include oysters, clams, a seafood tower, grilled avocado, octopus, short rib wraps, tuna, salmon, steak, lamb, burgers, pasta dishes, and a crispy suckling pig, which Alvarez expects to be a crowd favorite.
He described the menu as eclectic, blending elements of French, Italian, Japanese, and Asian cuisines.
In addition to the food, Ember & Cork boasts an impressive wine list featuring 150 different wines.
According to Alvarez, the selection emphasizes French, Italian, Spanish, and New World red wines, with many options priced reasonably.
The restaurant is poised to offer an elevated dining experience, with carefully curated dishes and drinks.
Alvarez has announced that the restaurant will open to the public on Tuesday, October 29. Before the official opening, reservations will be available on Resy for those eager to try Ember & Cork’s menu.
The restaurant’s hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Additionally, Ember & Cork will offer a Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and there are plans to introduce a lunch service in the future.
Alvarez is excited to bring this new dining experience to Schenectady, saying, “We’re happy to introduce a new concept to the neighborhood.”
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With its focus on wood-fired cuisine, a diverse menu, and an extensive wine list, Ember & Cork is ready to make its mark on the local dining scene.