written by rachel brown
Step back in time to the luxe art deco ambience of The Revivalist—the featured restaurant of the stunning 106 Jefferson Hotel (a Hilton Curio Collection hotel) located just off the square in downtown Huntsville.
Opened in 2021, this is the location the Huntsville Tavern once stood before it historically burned down in 1910. A furniture store was housed here for several years and a few original pieces have been salvaged and restored, including original wood flooring that is used in the restaurant dining room. This adds to the quality feel of the space. Leather backed banquet seating, table seating, an intimate interior patio space and a parlor and bar area create an ambience to experience. Private dining room, Ember, is available to use with a name that suggests a nod to the hotel’s past history of two historic fires.
Local muralist, Robert Bean exhibits an impressive hand painted mural, created in the unique area within the restaurant on the interior patio. Adorned with hanging lights along the courtyard, the large mural commands the space. He describes this mural as ‘Art deco design with classical references, specifically the Winged Victory at the Louvre’. The mural can be seen from inside the restaurant and will pique your interest into coming out to the patio to take a closer look.
The ornamentation of the space and the atmosphere are not the only reason to visit The Revivalist. In the past year a new chef Jarrod Himes, has been in the kitchen creating fresh culinary concepts to the menu. Chef Jarrod was sought out from the fine dining scene in Virginia Beach. With a prior military background that laid the groundwork of his culinary career, Jarrod has had extensive culinary experience in cities around the world including, Charlotte, Dallas, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Puerto Rico.
“Respect a Roux.” Jarrod speaks of his style of cooking as keeping traditional culinary methods with modern classic flavors and a respect for ingredients. He sources his produce and proteins from companies that are locally known for their quality and used in high end establishments across North Alabama. Jarrod embraces, values and is trained in fine dining, but also appreciates the joy and satisfaction of simple ingredients.
Jarrod mentions his favorite late-night meal after work consists of a cinnamon raisin bagel, cheddar cheese and bacon jam (caramelized bacon and shallots). The lunch meal he enjoys most is a Cuban sandwich and his Huntsville go-to is Jefferson Street Pub, a downtown staple for many years for late night eats and drinks. Something Jarrod is excited to bring to The Revivalist is a new brunch menu and an exclusive menu for the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, Baker & Able. The bar, named after the legendary monkeys that went into space, offers spectacular views of downtown Huntsville.
Come experience prohibition style ambiance, quality local ingredients with exquisite plating and stay and be a Revivalist and “gather again” in this historic destination.
this article first appeared in print in the winter 2022 edition of huntsville magazine
