Culinary Heritage

Taste Tennessee's culinary heritage at The Hermitage Hotel.

Drusie & Darr

Under the direction of internationally celebrated chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Drusie & Darr is The Hermitage Hotel’s premier restaurant and bar. The restaurant is named after brother and sister Drusie and Darr Hall, the children of the hotel’s former General Manager, Dick Hall. With a childhood seemingly plucked from a storybook, the duo lived, played and grew up in the hotel during the 1950s and ‘60s.

Drusie & Darr matches a convivial atmosphere with contemporary design. Award-winning interior designer Thomas Juul-Hansen, the mastermind behind the interiors of all Jean-Georges’ restaurants, created a glamorous space, introducing modern touches while honoring the hotel’s iconic architectural details. Dramatic lighting and bespoke furnishings introduce warmth and ambiance into the space, making the restaurant a destination unto itself.

Showcasing the abundance of Tennessee’s regional produce, the menu is inspired by the seasons and Tennessee’s culinary heritage. From cocktails and a sophisticated evening out, to a glass of wine and pizza from the wood-fired oven, or a relaxed family dinner, guests are sure to enjoy their dining experience at Drusie & Darr.

The Pink Hermit

For Pastries, Light Bites and Pre-Theater Champagne, Think Pink. The Pink Hermit is a chic café and take-away conceived by Jean-Georges and The Hermitage Hotel team and designed by Juul-Hansen. Its name is derived from the word “hermitage,” meaning a “secluded retreat.” This intimate space, clad in pale pink and gray marble, welcomes guests with cozy seating, both indoors and outdoors. The café’s concept will evolve throughout the day – from a coffee bar serving delectable pastries in the morning, to a casual take-away for lunch.

Spillin' Tea with Draper James

In partnership with Draper James, an American lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon, The Hermitage Hotel offers guests a unique Afternoon Tea experience. “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James,” is available in the hotel's Veranda every Friday through Sunday at 2 pm. Inspired by recipes from Witherspoon’s cookbook, "Whiskey in a Teacup", guests can enjoy a delightful array of tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Luxury loose leaf tea by In Pursuit of Tea and The Hermitage Hotel's exclusive Jack Daniel's Yellow Rose whiskey are served in custom-designed teacups. Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended.

a hallway with a large window and a large chandelier

Recipes

Dishes with a backstory

Savor our kitchen's signature recipes, each dish a flavorful reflection of our hotel's storied past.

a bottle of alcohol next to a copper mug and limes

Jack's Mule Cocktail

The Hermitage Hotel has a long history with Jack Daniels, which was established in Tennesse right after the American Civil War. Their mutual history dates back to the Prohibition era, during the fight the ratify the 19th Amendment in the summer of 1920. Prior to the law's ratification, anti-suffragists used the notorious eighth-floor suite to petition state politicians to side with their cause. They often distrubited their own illict Jack Daniels whiskey from inside the suite, as a means of enticing the goodwill of the statesmen in attendance. It was used so often for those purposes that the suite acquired the nickname “The Jack Daniels Suite.” Nevertheless, the efforts of the anti-suffragists failed and the 19th Amendment passed later that August.

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