Saga was first slated to open in summer 2019, before delays and a global pandemic mothballed the project. Two years later, they first had to blow the dust off a restaurant that had been sitting vacant, and knock the rust off the new hires.
Gary He for Resy
“For a lot of the staff here, this is their first job since everything closed,” says assistant general manager Gracie Estacio.
Gary He for Resy
Even team members that were called up from Crown Shy had to be re-trained to do a timed tasting menu service across several spaces, as opposed to à la carte.
Gary He for Resy
Jassimran Singh was promoted to culinary director for Crown Shy and Saga during the pandemic. “We are lucky to have a lot of people, but they are all very new,” Singh says. “There are still a lot of things that need to be taught.”
Gary He for Resy
Executive chef and partner James Kent times out the arrival of the restaurant’s guests.
Gary He for Resy
Timing out the courses.
Gary He for Resy
“Up here it’s like synchronized swimming, and downstairs is like water polo,” says managing partner Jeff Katz of the two restaurants.
Gary He for Resy
“I want people to feel safe,” says Kent about the return to masking for staffers. “We all wore a mask for the past year. Let’s just put it on for a few more weeks.”
Gary He for Resy
A moment of calm before the storm. Saga opens to the public August 25.
Gary He for Resy
