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American Whiskey’s Chef Roger Jacobsen

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There is an inevitable connection between music and cooking. Both cooking and music infuses a level of energy and fuels the creative spirit. Recognizing his love for music and the magical experience between his two loves, Executive Chef and Partner, Roger Jacobsen began cooking at an early age.

He started showcasing his culinary skills since high school and started as a line cook in his hometown of Fairhope, Alabama. Eventually Jacobsen got promoted to being a chef with the same restaurant group. Learning how to navigate a kitchen and holding the essential skill sets, Jacobson decided to move to New York to further expand his horizons. He landed with a job at ‘Inoteca’, recognized for its eminent wine selection from 2007 till 2010. Following ‘Inoteca’, Jacobsen worked for ‘Blue Water Grill’, an iconic seafood restaurant in the heart of New York City’s Union Square from 2010 till 2013. Jacobsen’s noteworthy New York experience earned him a position at L’atelier de Joel Robuchon, a classic French dining experience in 2013 for a year.

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Garnering many experiences globally, Jacobsen opened American Whiskey, home to both whiskey aficionados and curious amateurs, in September 2013 with partners Kevin Hooshangi and Casey Pratt. As an Executive Chef and Partner, Jacobsen spearheads the kitchen at American Whiskey in New York City. While cooking at American Whiskey, Jacobson’s intent is to fuse classic techniques with modern flavors and represent sophisticated food in a rustic approachable setting. Signature items that he has introduced to American Whiskey’s menu include the Tater Tot Poutine with chicken gravy, cheddar cheese curds, Braised Short Rib Sandwich with parsley, preserved jalapeno, salsa verde and Duck Duck Goose Sliders made with duck confit and foie gras butter.

Jacobsen turned an inherent passion for cooking into an impressive career which has spanned over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry. During his free time, Jacobson tunes into listening to a variety of music and enjoying his oysters paired with white wine.

Currently he resides in Brooklyn and describes his style as early 2000’s hipster.

Jeans: Most recently I have been wearing APC and Rag & Bone Jeans. Usually I wear a more tailored fit.

Shirts: I am mostly a T shirt guy. I like the tri blend T from American Apparel. I have some J Crew button downs, as well as Paul Smith.

Pants: When I wear something other than jeans, I wear J Crew and UNICLO chinos.

Suits: Custom.

Shoes: I mostly wear sneakers. I’ve had a love affair with Vans for 20 years.

Accessories: I occasionally wear hat but my biggest accessory is my Apple watch.

Outerwear: Leather jacket, wool parka, puffy winter jacket. Definitely depends on my mood.

Favorite Cologne: Don’t wear it.

Your favorite App: Google for sure. I use it for lists and generally keeping my life somewhat in order.

Favorite piece of technology: It is probably my phone. I can do anything from it, which I like.

Next tech purchase: Apple air pods.

Cator Sparks
Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
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