Embers is in its 20th year of operation, says owner Jon Zipperstein, and he feels that consistency is the key to his fine-dine eatery’s success. “A by-word for us is consistency; meeting or exceeding our guests’ expectations. Executing the things that we do — the quality of what we’re purchasing to how well the chefs execute that recipe; those are the things our guests are looking for when they come here.”
That consistency and the quality it represents has enabled the success story, Zipperstein believes. “We feel like we’re at the level where we’re an institution (in the way patrons think of the restaurant). We have served multiple generations; people who were our first customers, now have children and even grandchildren who are now our regulars. That’s really enjoyable for me and we feel grateful for that,” he said. He added that he finds personal gratification in having built a restaurant that has benefitted both the community and those who work with and at Embers.
Readers of Dining Out may remember that Zipperstein was a chef at Trio prior to opening Embers in 2004. Well, before all of that, he was classically trained in French cuisine in New York, training which has informed his entire career. For him personally, the allure of classical dishes is strong: “I tend to gravitate toward those things such as Dover sole and those kinds (of classical standards). But my favorite things are those that our guests (at Embers) are happiest with,” adding that pleasing guests is the first order of business at any successful restaurant.
Of the three words in the Embers tagline, “Steak, Seafood,” Sushi, steak is first in the line and first among menu choices, according to Zipperstein. He said that perhaps 50 to 60 percent of all entrée orders are steak dishes. There are six steak offerings on the menu, with filet mignon being represented twice, versions being 8- or 12-ounce choices. The others are a New York strip, a hefty cowboy rib-eye, and two steak specialties featuring a pan-seared filet and an au poivre strip preparation. For steak-loving Jewish diners wanting to eat kosher style, make note that all steaks are finished with a brush of butter, a step that may be eliminated if requested.
Seafood, sushi, and an extensive bar menu make up most of the rest of diners’ choices at Embers. That said, there are choices to satisfy almost every diner’s wishes, including salads, roast chicken, soups, and more.
While the main dining area at Embers enjoys a generational following, the bar area is a world unto itself. The bar features its own extensive menu, offering some choices not found on the regular menu. Sequestered from the main dining area, the bar has become a “real popular destination” for the dining public, drawing packed-house crowds on the weekends and when local teams are in the thick of their seasons. Some of those choices are steak sliders (hold the cheddar), fried cauliflower tossed in malt vinegar, smoked guacamole with plantain chips, house smoked wings, an Embers burger that may be kitted out in several ways depending on diner preferences, and some specialized salads. “We have a separate bar menu with some more casual and different offerings (than those on the regular dining menu.),” he said.
Asked about the menu and how it has changed over the years, Zipperstein had this to say: “We have gone away from some things as dining preferences have changed, but our staples are still here. We’re not looking for the new hot thing. We have three to four features (specials) every night, usually an entrée feature, a sushi feature, and a soup. We offer what our guests are looking for. We have businesspeople who are marking an occasion or entertaining clients or a potential new hire. We have families that are celebrating a birthday, or an anniversary. And we have guests that use us as their kitchen, coming here multiple times a week. Those guests are looking for comfort food that is reliable and it’s going to be the same every time (they order it),” he said.
“Expectations are different for our business guests — privacy, a sedate atmosphere, a sense of professionalism in service, and food and presentation that is at a high level. We take pride in meeting the expectations of every guest who chooses us for their dining destination.”
See you at Embers!
