Match Restaurant In South Norwalk Reopens
New Look, New Menu, & Serious Cocktails
[Monday, March 17, 2014] Norwalk, CT - After months of planning and two-weeks of intense renovation, Match Restaurant in South Norwalk is pleased to announce it will reopen on Thursday, March 20 at 5 pm with a Cocktail Party celebrating "the new Match" and regular dinner service beginning at 7:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend the opening cocktail party on Thursday from 5 to 7:30 pm. Reservations for dinner service are available by calling 203.852.1088 or visiting opentable.com.
A fourteen-year veteran of South Norwalk's dining scene, Match has earned its reputation as one of the state's most consistent and award-winning restaurants with its global approach to New American cuisine led by chef/owner Matt Storch. This year Match welcomed a new partner to the business, longtime Match employee Susan McConnell. Focusing on nearly all aspects of the business, the new Match includes: a complete dining room renovation, a new menu embracing both classics and brand new dishes at all price points, and an original cocktail program led by mixologist Adam Patrick.
"We wanted to go beyond a can of paint, and really take the time to elevate what was already a successful business. We wanted to introduce some modern elements, like a fresh new space, introduce new dishes and tweak the classics, and bring real cocktails to South Norwalk." said Storch.
THE NEW MATCH
The inspiration for the overall design direction came from Storch. Obsessed with a rich purple hue he discovered on his travels, he worked with a team of collaborators to use this as a guiding inspiration and signature color, drawing it into the dining room, the new Match logo, its menu design, and signage. The dining room was treated to a near-gut renovation that came together in a mere two weeks after months of planning. Rich pops of purple, walnut wood, exposed brick, a barnwood-sided bar, bright white chairs, and a custom clay wall form Match's new more modern palette. An industrial-inspired lighting scheme, including a statement chandelier made of pipe fittings and bare bulbs, anchor the front dining space. The rear room remains separate with a bar that transforms into a pseudo-chefs table in front of the wood burning oven.
The new Match menu is more flexible and playful but remains true to its New American roots and its beloved customer favorites. Storch plans to print a daily menu and will eventually open for lunch. "There was nothing wrong with the food. We just wanted to shake up some of the classics, offer a variety of options and price points and have some fun." Loyal customers will recognize dishes such as the Carpetbaggers, Wasabi Tuna, and Wood-oven Roasted Chicken, each with their own slight tweaks. They sit side-by-side exciting new offerings such as the New School Raw Bar, a selection of craveable snacks such as a Cabo San Lucas style ceviche.
Larger plates range from Classic Cravings, to Market Finds, and Wood Oven. The cravings are dishes inspired by beloved Match dishes and specials, such as the Wasabi Tuna, Kisses from Angles, and a new Pho with an oxtail broth. Storch revamped his pizza list with several new pies, including a new Bacon-Potato-Egg, and a spicy fried rock shrimp pizza.
COCKTAIL PROGRAM
Storch's vision for a serious cocktail presence demanded serious cocktail talent. Adam Patrick is the newest member of the Match team, who will lead this charge. Best known for recent stints as a mixologist and bartender at Walrus & Carpenter and Luxe, Patrick will spearhead what promises to be Norwalk's most impressive cocktail program. "I look forward to bringing small twists on classic cocktails, new variations on Match drinks, and lots of fresh juices," said Adam Patrick. Fresh juices, exacting execution, and imagination are behind the initial list of 12 cocktails. Take the "Shirley You Can't Be Serious." This traditionally sweet maraschino-driven drink is all grown up with Tanqueray, Averna, and Aperol. The Devil Wears Nada is a combination of Milagro Blanco, Thai Chili, Maraschino, Lime and Salt. The Pear Snap (pictured) is 10 Cane Rum, Poire Williams and Licor 43.