Monday, June 3, 2013

Dale Levitski Goes 'Glamping,' No More Dover Sole At Brindille Until Fall & Foie Gras Gate At Next?!

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Chef Dale Levitski (Photo: Sprout)

Don't expect to see Dale Levitski around these parts for a few months. The executive chef/partner of Frog N Snail and Sprout tells 312DD exclusively that he's going "glamping" (glamour camping) all summer at The Resort At Paws Up in Montana.

Now, what exactly does that mean?!

"I will be (the seasonal chef) and in charge of daily operations at two restaurants, spearheading special events and private dinners as well as helping develop new ideas for the culinary program as a whole," he gushes excitedly about what he's calling a "chef's vacation" and "summer adventure."

Levitski has actually visited the high-end resort three years in a row, but this is the first time he'll be gone for an extended time. Look for him to return in October. In the meantime, business will go on as usual at his Chicago restaurants.

"My chef de cuisine at Sprout is doing good (stuff), so he will have the reigns, and Frog is a neighborhood machine. I will be in contact with both every day or two and checking in, menu revamping, etc. I'm gonna get my 'Green Acres' on!"

Levitski's last day until October is Wednesday.

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Over at the powerhouse known as Next, a supposed foie gras faux pas occurred at one table even though the restaurant's serving an all-vegan menu until late August. Apparently some hardcore vegans took offense and took to Next's facebook page. You can read the thread of rants right here and decide for yourself if the restaurant was in the wrong or if the diners overreacted. In other Alinea restaurant news, Eater Chicago reports that longtime Chef de Cuisine Matthew Chasseur has resigned.

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ABC-7's Steve Dolinsky aired an awesome segment over the weekend on the Dover sole dish at Brindille. Whoops. Too soon. According to owner/chef Carrie Nahabedian, she will not be selling that dish again until the fall. Here's what she had to say:

"Sorry..I know everyone has been calling since they saw Steve Dolinsky's show this week about Brindille's Dover Sole.... but....the Sole are spawning and the quality has slipped, so Brindille will not be offering fresh Dover Sole until the fall and I refuse to offer frozen! New menu today..Sockeye Salmon from Copper River, Turbot from France and Loup de Mer from the Mediterranean. All so stunning in quality."

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And finally, it was a big opening weekend for B.K. Park, whose sushi-focused Juno sold out all reservations. The former chef at Arami has a great following, so that really helped.

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