Empire

Empire’s menu focuses on high quality ingredients & interactive small plate presentations showcasing variety & a sense of playfulness. the dining experience includes “choose your own adventure” elements where one can enjoy a bite & beverage & be out in 20 minutes or savor as many as 12 courses over three hours w/ cocktails & wine. Asian, Mediterranean, Italian & French influences can be seen alongside classic Americana, highlighting vibrant & balanced flavors & fresh product.

To complement Empire’s culinary menu, a strong emphasis is placed on artisanal cocktails, representing both classic & original recipes. From hand-cut ice to freshly squeezed juices, bitters & the best spirits, Empire relies on top ingredients & technique without the pretense that has become common w/ modern mixology. A custom barrel program for whiskeys & bourbons & a draft system featuring carbonated cocktails ensures fresh libations every time. Cocktail carts are a signature element as the action & charm behind the bar is brought tableside to guests.

Empire’s standard is simple: never pour a glass of wine that one would not serve to closest friends. The hallmarks of any memorable experience are defined in terms of discovery & connection, & w/ those standards in mind, empire created the wine board & winemaker partner series.

The wine board focuses on discovering new flavors w/ an ever-changing rotation of 12 selections representing current exciting wines. Smaller production boutique-style wines rotate on a regular basis featuring uncommonly excellent selections.

The empire winemaker partner series is about connecting w/ the community, featuring five local winemakers pouring handpicked selections in addition to signature wines developed specifically for empire. Striving to represent the wine in a similar way to private tasting rooms & bring guests behind the label for the inside story, the program also features release parties & public tastings.

Empire highlights its beer program w/ selections from california microbreweries & its own in-house crafted beer on tap.

Bill of fare

Empire’s unique barrel program features two handpicked whiskeys including a 12-year-old bourbon from elijah craig & a rye from redemption. More than a dozen barrel samples were tasted before the two featured spirits were chosen. Each bottle’s label carries a designation of empire napa valley 2013 to note its selection.