Cerise Zelenetz
Bushwick, Brooklyn
We knew a bit about Cherry On Top before meeting with owner Cerise Zelenetz: the playful interior, amazing selection of wines, and stunningly large rooftop were pieces we’d already enjoyed. What we didn’t know, however, is just how much this “not so petit” bar is a reflection of Zelenetz’ own experiences and mind. The red paint details found across the walls and the very cute menus were all done by Cerise herself, an artist and illustrator when she’s not taste testing bottles for the wine list. Between the cherry-red theme and vintage dishes, we’re excited to spend more days lazing about over a glass or two. We even shot our most recent summertime merch over at Cherry on Top.
P.S. Get a cheese board, if not for a snack, to experience the beautiful marble it is presented on (Cerise was gifted these from an Italian marble yard — dreamy!)
Full name, age, where are you from?
Cerise Zelenetz, 30, originally from Vermont, studied in Paris and have been in New York for about ten years now.
What is your title and where do you work?
I'm the owner of Cherry On Top in Bushwick. I also go by designer and illustrator a lot of the time.
Was food a big part of your upbringing?
Absolutely. My parents traveled a lot before they had my sister and I and used food as a tool for teaching us about different cultures. As a family, we used to choose a different country every weekend and cook a meal together from that country.
What are your earliest memories of dining out?
Growing up in Vermont there wasn't a lot of variety in terms of restaurants but I do fondly remember pulling apart a lot of ricotta calzones while sitting in the overstuffed red booths at our local pizza shop, and making a mess of swirled soft serve cones while spinning around on the colorful pleather high stools of Dari Joy ice cream. Even as a kid, I was always sensitive to the design of spaces and how they dictate the experience one has within them. Be it eating, drinking or otherwise.
If you could give a piece of advice to someone who wanted to pursue your career, what would it be?
I'd say to know your strengths and weaknesses and make sure you have a strong team on your side of people who are good at what you aren't. No one person can open a business alone or be good at everything. I was lucky to have a strong business partner as I know my strong suit is the creative side of things. Beyond that I'd say just go for it. There's a lot of consideration necessary but if you don't take opportunities as they come, they'll be gone before you know it.
What do you think working in this industry has taught you?
So much I never thought I'd have to know about plumbing and dishwashers. But also, a lot about working as a team and how communication is really everything when it comes to running a business successfully. I've also learned a lot about wine of course, but the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know anything! It's a fascinating world and it's always changing which is why I love it. There's always more to know.
What's your favorite dish/drink on the menu?
My favorite wines change all the time but right now I'm very into this sparkling red from Slovenia and really smooth, clean Muscadet we have by the glass.
What is your favorite place to go out and eat at and what are you ordering?
Since opening Cherry I've been spending a lot of time in Bushwick so when I go out it's usually around here or in The Lower East Side where I live. I love sharing almost everything on the menu with friends at Rolo's in Ridgewood. I'm also a big fan of bringing bottles with a group to Wu's and ordering the giant crab steamed with ginger and scallion. Gem Wine bar is another favorite with their always changing selection of perfectly curated small plates.
You’re on a desert island, what are the 5 kitchen items you need to run your business?
Ha. I would love to open a wine bar on a desert island. Just give me a corkscrew, some glasses, and a case each of red, white and bubbles. I'd chill everything in the ocean so no need for an ice bucket.
