Jewel of the South

Chris Hannah, the acclaimed bartender who led Arnaud’s French 75 bar to a James Beard Award, is leaving to open Jewel of the South with fellow bartending star and Manolito bus... Read more

Chris Hannah, the acclaimed bartender who led Arnaud’s French 75 bar to a James Beard Award, is leaving to open Jewel of the South with fellow bartending star and Manolito business partner, Nick Detrich, NeatPour.Com reports.

Among Hannah’s bartending contributions at the French 75 during his 14 years there include putting one of the city’s lost historic cocktails, the brandy crusta, back on the menu — effectively bringing it back from obscurity according to Punch magazine.

The new fine dining eatery pays homage to a 19th-century establishment by the same name.

Plans for the restaurant include both upstairs and downstairs dining rooms, a courtyard, 19th century furniture including an antique bar originally from London, and a menu focused on highlighting the city’s culinary history.