Step through the grand entrance of Empire 19 and discover a symphony of flavors at every turn. The menu delivers bold creations and timeless classics, each crafted with attention to the freshest ingredients and a passion for culinary excellence.
Whether craving an elegant bite to begin a gathering or seeking a signature entrée that showcases the chef’s ingenuity, this selection invites exploration. From vibrant textures to warming aromas, the offerings celebrate a fusion of global inspirations with local flair.
Loyal patrons admire the balance of tradition and innovation woven into every dish, while new guests find a seamless journey from appetizer to dessert, riding waves of pleasure with each course. The approachable elegance and careful curation make every meal feel like a special occasion without pretension.
Immerse yourself in an experience where taste, presentation, and hospitality converge, turning shared moments into lasting memories. Prepare to navigate the highlights of Empire 19’s menu, where each section reveals a unique story and every bite offers a chapter of culinary artistry.
Appetizers
Appetizers at Empire 19 set the tone, offering a rich tapestry of tastes and textures to whet the appetite. Handcrafted small plates draw on local harvests and global spice blends to deliver balanced and memorable bites.
Each selection is designed for sharing, conversation, and a sense of communal discovery.
Flavor Profiles
Seasonal vegetables and artisanal breads come together with vibrant herbaceous dips. Freshly made sauces incorporate a blend of citrus, garlic, and cooled chili oils, creating subtle heat that builds on the palate.
The use of fermented ingredients adds an umami depth rarely found in typical starters.
The house-smoked paprika hummus pairs smoky notes with creamy chickpeas and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Zesty citrus aioli accompanies crispy calamari, enhancing its tender interior.
Microgreen garnishes and edible flowers elevate each plate, adding visual contrast and delicate flavor bursts.
- Smoked Paprika Hummus with Crispy Pita
- Crispy Calamari with Citrus Aioli
- Truffle Mushroom Crostini
- Aged Cheese and Marinated Olive Board
Presentation and Pairing
Plating techniques resemble fine art, with geometric drizzles and strategic color placement. The chef encourages guests to savor appetizers alongside select white wines or light-bodied cocktails.
Sparkling wines and dry rosés accentuate citrus notes, while crisp lagers complement fried textures.
Servers offer pairing suggestions tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, the marinated olive plate replaces bread with crisp vegetable chips.
Vegan guests enjoy roasted vegetable skewers topped with a smoky paprika glaze.
“From the first bite, we aim to spark excitement and lay the groundwork for a journey through layered flavors.”
Whether guests prefer bold spices, creamy textures, or light, fresh combinations, the appetizer section invites exploration. Thoughtful ingredient sourcing and attention to pairing ensure that each small plate sets a high bar for courses to follow.
Signature Entrees
Signature entrees anchor the Empire 19 experience with dishes designed to impress both the eyes and the taste buds. These main courses blend time-honored traditions with cutting-edge culinary techniques.
Each plate highlights premium proteins, uniquely balanced accompaniments, and house-crafted sauces.
Featured Proteins
Proteins are sourced from ethical farms and sustainable suppliers. Grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, and wild-caught seafood arrive at peak freshness, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.
Aging and brining techniques intensify taste and tenderness, while wood-fire and sous-vide methods guarantee perfect doneness.
The dry-aged ribeye steak is seared over Oregon oak, creating a smoky crust that contrasts with its juicy center. The miso-glazed black cod is slow-roasted to preserve moisture, then finished under a broiler for a light caramelized crust.
Lamb chops receive a Moroccan-style rub, featuring cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, for an exotic twist.
Sauce Innovations
Each entrée features a house-made sauce, from silky reductions to bold emulsions. The rosemary-infused veal jus accompanies the lamb rack, imparting aromatic complexity.
A tangy tamarind glaze complements the pan-seared duck breast, cutting through its rich fattiness.
- Braised Short Ribs in red wine reduction
- Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with rosemary jus
- Seared Duck Breast with tamarind glaze
- Black Cod with white miso emulsion
Side dishes rotate to harmonize with main courses. Truffle-infused potato puree provides a silky, comforting base for red meats.
Charred broccolini, blistered in olive oil and garlic, acts as a lively, nutrient-rich counterpart.
| Dish | Spice Level | Calories |
| Braised Short Ribs | Medium | 750 |
| Ribeye Steak | High | 950 |
| Black Cod | Low | 600 |
| Moroccan Lamb Chops | High | 820 |
Expert servers guide diners through wine and spirit pairings tailored to each entrée. A bold Malbec or full-bodied Chardonnay may be recommended, depending on the sauce and protein.
This attentive approach fosters a multisensory dining journey.
Salad and Vegetarian Delights
Fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-rich, the salad and vegetarian section caters to health-conscious guests and adventurous eaters alike. Seasonal produce is the star of each dish, supported by creative dressings and textural contrasts.
Whether seeking a light starter or a satisfying meat-free main, these offerings deliver on both taste and substance.
Signature Salads
The roasted beet and goat cheese salad arrives with candied walnuts, arugula, and a lemon-honey vinaigrette. Its layers of sweet, earthy, and tangy flavors invite diners to appreciate the interplay of ingredients.
Edible flower petals add a touch of elegance and a hint of floral aroma.
A citrus-fennel slaw combines shaved fennel bulbs with orange segments, toasted almonds, and a yogurt-mint dressing. This composition provides crispness and zing, lending a refreshing counterpoint to heartier menu elements.
- Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese
- Citrus-Fennel Slaw with Almonds
- Kale Caesar with Parmesan Crisps
- Quinoa & Black Bean Salad
Hearty Grain Bowls
Grain bowls feature ancient grains like farro, millet, and spelt, paired with roasted vegetables and protein-rich legumes. The warm farro bowl showcases butternut squash, crispy chickpeas, and a smoky tahini drizzle.
These bowls satisfy hunger while maintaining a balanced nutritional profile.
Vegan options include a spanned grain salad with edamame, avocado, and a soy-lime dressing. Seasonal changes introduce fall squash varieties or spring asparagus, ensuring each visit brings new flavors.
“Exploring plant-forward combinations fuels both creativity and sustainable practices in the kitchen.”
Vegetarian Entrées
Beyond salads and bowls, vegetarian mains offer comforting richness. The wild mushroom risotto balances arborio rice with porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, finished with a hint of white truffle oil.
A Moroccan vegetable tagine simmers root vegetables with spiced tomato broth and couscous.
Plated with care, these entrees rival their meat-based counterparts in depth and complexity. Creative garnishes such as toasted pine nuts and fresh herb sprigs enhance texture and aroma, encouraging diners to explore every bite.
Servers often recommend vegetable-driven dishes for pairing with crisp white wines or light botanical cocktails. This section celebrates flavor diversity while respecting dietary preferences.
Desserts and Sweets
Dessert offerings at Empire 19 provide a staging ground for pastry creativity and indulgence. Each sweet treat combines high-quality ingredients with refined techniques to deliver memorable closures.
From luscious chocolate creations to delicate fruit-driven treats, there’s something for every preference.
Decadent Classics
The flourless chocolate torte is a crowd favorite, with a rich, fudgy center and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s served warm alongside fresh raspberries that cut through the richness.
A scoop of house-made vanilla gelato adds a silky counterpoint.
Classic crème brûlée arrives with a perfectly torched sugar crust that shatters to reveal creamy custard. Infusions of vanilla bean and citrus zest lend layers of flavor, showcasing expert timing and temperature control.
- Flourless Chocolate Torte
- Classic Crème Brûlée
- Seasonal Fruit Galette
- Caramel Pecan Tart
Light & Fruity
For a lighter finish, fruit-forward desserts highlight seasonal offerings. A strawberry-rhubarb crisp combines tart fruit medley with an oat streusel topping.
Mango panna cotta features tropical sweetness under a soothing creamy blanket.
Guests seeking dairy-free options enjoy the passionfruit sorbet, made with fresh juice and minimal sugar. A coconut tapioca pudding offers creamy texture without traditional dairy, proving that light desserts can still feel indulgent.
| Dessert | Vegan | Gluten-Free |
| Passionfruit Sorbet | Yes | Yes |
| Strawberry Crisp | No | No |
| Coconut Tapioca | Yes | Yes |
| Crème Brûlée | No | No |
“Every dessert is crafted to evoke joy, from the first spoonful to the final crumb.”
Pair desserts with sweet wines, dessert liqueurs, or even a robust espresso. Servers suggest a chilled Moscato to complement fruit-based dishes or a tawny port to accentuate chocolate flavors.
This thoughtful approach ensures a harmonious finish to any meal.
Beverages
The beverage program at Empire 19 spans traditional pairings and inventive libations. Extensive training ensures staff can discuss tasting notes, production techniques, and recommended food matches with confidence.
Each pour is chosen to elevate the overall dining experience.
Curated Wine List
A sommelier curates a selection of Old World classics and New World trailblazers. Whites range from crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to elegant Burgundy Chardonnays.
Reds showcase robust California Cabernets and nuanced Italian Sangiovese blends.
- Sancerre Rosé
- Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
- Piedmont Barbera
- Oregon Pinot Noir
Occasional vertical tastings of rare vintages appear as special events. Guests can reserve a seat to explore a particular varietal across multiple years, gaining insight into aging effects and vineyard practices.
These tastings foster appreciation for wine’s nuances.
“Educating guests on the story behind each bottle adds meaning to every sip.”
Innovative Cocktails
Signature cocktails blend house-made syrups and fresh-pressed juices with premium spirits. The Smoked Old Fashioned features cherrywood smoke infusion and delicate bitters.
Seasonal offerings rotate, such as a cucumber-mint julep in summer and hot toddy with spiced pear in winter.
- Smoked Old Fashioned
- Lavender Gin Fizz
- Cucumber-Mint Julep
- Spiced Pear Hot Toddy
Mocktail enthusiasts enjoy crafted non-alcoholic sippers, featuring ingredients like hibiscus tea, dragon fruit puree, and rosemary tincture. These options ensure every guest can participate in the beverage journey.
Brewed & Bottled
Local craft beers and international drafts provide a diverse selection. Rotating taps highlight small batch producers and seasonal brews.
Light pilsners, rich stouts, and hoppy IPAs guarantee a suitable match for various dishes.
Artisanal sodas and kombucha round out the menu for guests seeking simple refreshment. These house blends underscore the restaurant’s emphasis on quality and creativity in every category.
Chef’s Recommendations
Chef’s recommendations offer a glimpse into the creative mind behind Empire 19’s kitchen. These choices showcase experimental techniques, limited-run ingredients, and personal favorites.
Diners who select these dishes tap into the chef’s vision for innovative flavor pairings.
Seasonal Tasting Menu
A multi-course tasting menu compiles several recommendations into a cohesive progression. Starting with an amuse-bouche such as beet gazpacho shots, it moves through delicate seafood, rich main courses, and petite desserts.
Each course is paired with a complementary beverage selection.
- Beet Gazpacho Amuse-Bouche
- Seared Scallop with Saffron Beurre Blanc
- Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin
- Pistachio Financier with Rosewater Syrup
Detailed tasting notes accompany each course, and the chef occasionally makes a table visit to explain ingredient choices and techniques. This immersive style adds theatrical flair and fosters a deeper appreciation for each element.
Chef’s Special Plates
Special plates might include a porcini-and-cognac sauce over venison tenderloin or a black truffle gnocchi that appears only when truffles are in peak season. These dishes often sell out quickly, reflecting their exclusivity.
Highlighted dish: Venison tenderloin with porcini-cognac sauce, accented by heirloom carrot ribbons and foraged mushrooms. Its complex layers of flavor demonstrate the kitchen’s mastery of balancing gamey richness with nuanced aromatics.
Guests are encouraged to inquire about daily specials, as they showcase the chef’s latest creations. Many diners return specifically to sample these evolving offerings, building loyalty and anticipation for what comes next.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings
Seasonal and limited-time menu items keep the dining experience fresh and engaging. With each new harvest and specialty shipment, the kitchen introduces innovative plates that celebrate unique ingredients.
This strategy encourages diners to revisit and discover new favorites.
Autumn Showcase
During autumn, ingredients like pumpkin, apple, and root vegetables inspire hearty preparations. Dishes such as pumpkin ravioli with sage butter evoke cozy warmth, while apple-cider brined pork belly delivers crisp, caramelized textures.
Root vegetable medleys highlight the earth’s natural sweetness.
- Pumpkin Ravioli with Crispy Sage
- Apple-Cider Brined Pork Belly
- Roasted Root Vegetable Terrine
- Maple-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted pumpkin seeds add crunch, and fresh sage leaves deepen aromatic appeal. Guests often pair these dishes with medium-bodied red wines or spiced ciders that reflect seasonal traditions.
“Rotating seasonal offerings not only excites guests but also keeps our team creatively energized.”
Spring Revelry
In spring, menus burst with tender asparagus, fresh peas, and fragrant herbs. Lighter proteins like lemon-thyme chicken and grilled shrimp scampi feature prominently.
Salads incorporate edible flowers, while fruit-forward desserts include rhubarb and strawberry compotes.
- Grilled Shrimp Scampi with Lemon & Herbs
- Asparagus & Pea Risotto
- Lemon-Thyme Chicken Breast
- Rhubarb-Strawberry Compote with Mascarpone
The restaurant partners with local farmers to secure rare heirloom varieties, ensuring peak flavor and vibrant color. This close collaboration fosters a sense of community and supports farm-to-table principles.
Limited-time offerings rotate quickly, encouraging diners to plan return visits. Celebratory menus for holidays such as Valentine’s or New Year’s Eve weave in thematic touches and exclusive dishes, enhancing the festive experience.
Empire 19’s menu represents a carefully crafted narrative of culinary innovation, seasonal bounty, and thoughtful presentation. From the first dazzling appetizer to the final sweet note, each section offers distinct and memorable experiences.
Signature entrees showcase premium proteins and house-made sauces, while plant-forward salads and vegetarian options celebrate global inspirations with local freshness. Desserts provide both decadent classics and lighter fruit-driven finales, complemented by an extensive beverage program that includes curated wines, inventive cocktails, and crafted non-alcoholic alternatives.
The chef’s recommendations and seasonal rotations emphasize a commitment to creativity and sustainability, inviting diners to embark on new taste adventures with every visit. Attentive service teams enrich the journey with pairing suggestions and insider insights, ensuring a personalized and educational approach.
Empire 19’s blend of tradition, artistry, and modern technique elevates dining into an immersive event, whether sharing a casual evening or marking a special occasion. With a dynamic menu that changes alongside the seasons and special events, guests are encouraged to return frequently, always certain to encounter fresh flavors and exemplary hospitality that define the Empire 19 experience.
