VIDEO: How Creative Mind James Kent Is Reimagining Fine Dining
Galerie visits the innovative chef at Manhattan hot spot SAGA, which offers views as astonishing as the tasting menu
“I think it’s important to pull inspiration from all different walks of life,” says chef James Kent, one of Galerie’s 2022 Creative Minds. “You need to keep your eyes open and look for trends that different people push. I’m happy to be at the front of that in the restaurant world.”
This philosophy is certainly evident at SAGA, the latest fine-dining establishment from Kent, located in at the southernmost tip of Manhattan. Soaring 63 stories above the Financial District, at Art Deco skyscraper 70 Pine, the restaurant offers views as astonishing as the tasting menu, which Kent has reimagined in a “comfortable and fun” way for a new generation of foodies. “We’re trying to reimagine what the fine dining restaurant wants to be.” The chef also helms the kitchen at Overstory, the upstairs cocktail bar, as well as nearby Crown Shy.
Here, Galerie visits Kent at SAGA as he discusses his “nontraditional” approach to fine dining.
