So for those who have not figured it out I am no longer living in St. Louis, and also no longer the Chef de Cuisine at An American Place. For those that are wondering here is what happened.

I spent two years of my career in the kitchen of An American Place at the beginning of that time I was simply a stagier, meaning I worked for free. Josh Galliano was the Chef at the time and I really liked what he was doing. I was working at Whole Foods Market in Brentwood, MO. So I didn’t necessarily need the money, but I missed working in restaurants especially fine dining. When I first stepped in to that kitchen I had no idea that with in 6 months I would be promoted to Sous Chef, and a few months after that take the position of Chef de Cuisine.

In the time that I ran the kitchen of AAP I was able to produce some food that at times was found to be note worthy, or at least Anne E. McBride felt so http://potsandplumes.com/2010/04/27/eating-st-louis, and was also worthy of a AAA Four Diamond Rating. I feel the key to that was the staff that I solidified in the kitchen. It was composed of some of the coolest people that I have ever worked with. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them and reflect on some of things that we were able to accomplish. So to Alex Feldmeier, Andy Harris, James Wong, Shelly Echevaria, and Edith Calix Thank You! Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Our time together was certainly not with out its challenges, but it was also filled with a great sense of camaraderie. I really felt that we were starting to hit our stride together, but it seemed it was not meant to be.

As things started to come to a close it was abundantly clear to me that it was time for a change. Larry and I reached a mutual agreement and with that we parted ways on good terms. I wish him nothing but the best, and am sure that our paths will cross some other time down the road. Part of the change for me was not that I wanted to work in a different kitchen, but I wanted to experience a different city, what city should I look to? Having already spent a significant amount of time in the Mecca of the Midwest I wanted to experience a different region of our fine country. So I looked to the south, and particularly Atlanta.

So far I have found Atlanta to be a solid food town. Granted I have only spent less than a few weeks here, and have only eaten at a handful of the restaurants. However I have honestly enjoyed every meal, and every day of my new adventure, and have been impressed not only with the food quality, but more so the genuine Southern Hospitality that this region is so famous for.

I look forward to sharing more with you all as things progress. But I wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who kept up with my posts that were inspired by the happenings of my time at AAP, but from now on you will be hearing about my time with Concentrics Restaurants based in Atlanta, GA.

CHEERS Y’ALL!