Tim Chung & Chef Bret Macris by Michael Tulipan

A Bushwick theater, bar, and restaurant combo finds a millennial crowd hungry for binge-watching alternatives

story and photos by Michael Tulipan

In the latest reel of a trend that began locally with Nitehawk Cinema on Metropolitan Avenue and Front Street’s reRun Gastropub Theater, and which will continue with Downtown’s Alamo Drafthouse later this year (see “Focal Point” feature in this issue), the idea of joining cinema with dining (not before or after the flick, mind you, but during) is fast winning new film fans hungry for an alternative to bingewatching Better Call Saul while pouring cereal. Beating Alamo to the punch for a 2016 debut, however, is a dining and entertainment venue in Bushwick, one that combines independent movie theater, bar, and restaurant. The brainchild of Managing Partner Tim Chung (a former film location scout and lifelong movie buff), Syndicated features a dining and bar area as well as separate theater where guests can order food and drink from the comfort of their seats before and during films.

Seating 70, the dining room serves seasonal New American dishes and elevated bar food from Executive Chef Bret Macris. An LA native, Macris made his mark at the celebrated Campanile before traveling east to take over the kitchen at Brooklyn’s Rose Water. His menu offers a spin on American comfort food as well as specials inspired by Syndicated’s film program, with many items designed to be enjoyed in both theater and restaurant. Staff favorites include “Scrumpets,” which take inspiration from the traditional corned beef and rye sandwich (with the chef brining beef short rib for ten days, which is then pulled, breaded with panko, and fried). Bacon Butter Meatballs start with pork ground with bacon, butter, and maple syrup, then braised in a sauce of brown stock, bacon, balsamic, Worcestershire, and more syrup. Fried Oysters are crusted in popcorn and Old Bay Seasoning, and served with a house-made remoulade of French tartar sauce, anchovies, and cornichons, while Duck Confit Nachos offer duck legs cured for two days (then cooked in duck fat for five hours) accompanied by house-made tortilla chips.

Cocktails from bar manager Kenneth Vanhooser (of Manhattan’s Piora fame) often take their names from celluloid legends. The Shining shout-out Redrum marries Blackwell rum from Jamaica and Brugal Añejo from the Dominican Republic with Cynar, Aperol, lemon, simple syrup, Angostura, and Peychaud’s bitters…while Cheech & Chong would be proud of the Up In Smoke, made with Herradura tequila, mezcal, maraschino, orange blossom, egg white, crème de menthe, lemon, and simple syrup. Airplane III is a play on the Aviation cocktail, with the addition of Bruichladdich single-malt Scotch whisky for a smoky “jet fuel” touch. It’s Good For You takes its moniker literally, marrying Anchor Distilling’s Hophead Vodka and Rhum JM with carrot juice, seasonal green market syrup (utilizing fresh produce from local famers), and chili for a little kick. The selection of American craft beers focuses on local breweries with ten options on draft, and wines also feature American producers.

Down the hallway, a row of Art Deco sconces leads to a 50-seat cinema featuring a 280-inch screen, film theater quality digital projector, and surround sound speakers. Rows of custom designed banquettes with leather headrests rise at a 30 degree pitch for unimpeded sightlines. Handcrafted tables for two allow viewers to enjoy drinks and menu items, as well as eight types of gourmet popcorn (made in house) and artisanal snacks. (Servers discreetly take orders both before and during films.)

Chung has carefully curated a frequently changing selection of films celebrating movies and experiences of the widest variety, from recent indies to everyone’s favorite ’80s blockbusters to classics in every genre. Film programs include double features, special events, a “Hi/Low” pairing of sophisticated films with lowbrow companions, and the “Film Class,” which showcases historically significant flicks followed by discussions. Prices are neighborhood friendly, too, with single tickets starting at $3, double features at $5.

A&G SPREAD

Syndicated
40 Bogart Street / 718.386.3399
syndicatedbk.com