Earlier today we briefly speculated on the future of Mason Dixon while owner Rob Shamlian denied the bar’s demise. We’ve got the update: Shamlian’s still in charge, but changes are indeed afoot. Namely, Wayne Nish is taking over the menu, bringing “gourmet comfort food” to the Essex Street bar.
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Nish has spent the past two years working in Singapore, but is back in partnership with Shamlian (Nish designed the menu at Spitzer’s Corner). This time he’s created a rather un-Southern menu that features smaller bites like batter-fried catfish served with “fat fries,” deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese bars with tomato fondue, and crispy pork dogs (made from deep-fried barbecue pork shoulder) while entrées include grilled salmon with Chinese mustard and spinach and steak frites.
But have no fear: Despite a menu revamp, one thing still remains the same. That mechanical bull isn’t going anywhere.
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