Cask Republic opens its doors in SoNo promising revamped 'decadent and delicious' menu

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NORWALK — The name isn’t the only thing that’s new at 99 Washington St. as Cask Republic has recently opened its doors at the former site of Ginger Man.

Owner of both Gingerman and Cask Republic, Christian Burns has reinvented the space, the menu, and the beverages at his newly opened South Norwalk eatery.

“I was inspired by the new feel of SoNo,” Burns said. “We have remodeled to bring more light into the space.”

The inviting interior has hardwood floors, intimate lounges, and expansive floor to ceiling windows. A full length oak bar takes center stage in the main dining room set below television screens and surrounded by booths and communal tables seating upwards of 100 guests. In the spring, the 60-seat outdoor patio will be available for dining featuring a fountain, cozy couches and lush plantings.

With the removal of some of the Ginger Man partitions, the open space at Cask reveals an old bank vault that is a throwback to the building’s history.

“This was a bank at one time. That vault was always there, but it’s much more visible now,” Burns said. “Right now it’s being used to store wine and vintage beer, but we may be using it as a private seating area in the future.”

A new chef-inspired menu is the creation of culinary director Chef Carl Carrion.

“Ginger Man was a more casual menu, this one is more upscale, but you can have either a casual meal or a more formal one here,” Burns said. “Carl was the culinary director at my other Cask Republic locations in Stamford and New Haven.”

The menu features a contemporary take on traditional, seasonal, and globally inspired dishes. The menu features entrees such as the Maple Brined Double Cut Pork Chop, Mustard Crusted Canadian Salmon and a savory take on Shrimp & Grits using grilled tiger shrimp, cotija cheese and an Andouille sausage vinaigrette. Side options for veggie aficionados will include Sauteed Swiss Chard and Wild Mushrooms with Roasted Brussel Sprouts topped with an I.P.A. glaze.

“We’re definitely offering a different food experience,” Burns said. “We have a raw bar, and will be starting Sunday brunch soon which is going to be both decadent and delicious.”

Cask Republic, which is known for their extensive selection of craft beer, also features eight wines, sangria, custom cocktails and cold-brewed coffee on tap in the South Norwalk location.

“There is a focus here on wines, there are nine wines by the glass,” Burns said. “There are four cocktails on tap which are batch-mixed in-house, then are kegged. Another cool thing that we have is cold-brewed Nitro coffee on tap, I would say we are the first restaurant in Connecticut to have that. That coffee is cold-brewed, kegged and pressurized. It cascades like a Guinness.”

Burns sees a long future for Cask Republic in its new SoNo location.

“For us one key to our concept is longevity and building relationships with the community. We were here as Ginger Man for eight years, and Ginger Man in Greenwich has been there for 13 years,” Burns said. “We are excited about being a valued partner in the South Norwalk community and we plan to be here for a long time.”