St. John Frizell on Gage & Tollner and Fort Defiance

An award-winning writer, bartender and owner of Red Hook’s beloved Fort Defiance, St. John Frizell is part of the team—with partners Sohui Kim, and Ben Schneider—that has re-opened Gage & Tollner. After years of fundraising, research, blood, sweat and tears, the trio were set to re-open the landmark restaurant on March 15 2020—the week the world went into lockdown. The restaurant finally officially reopened on April 15 and it is, by just about any measuring stick, a triumph. Frizell discusses that roller coaster, plus Fort Defiance’s own innovative pandemic pivot. Brooklyn news and views you can use: bkmag.com Email: [email protected] Follow along on Facebook: Brooklyn Magazine Twitter: @brooklynmag Instagram: @brooklynmagazine Follow Brian Braiker on Twitter: @slarkpope