SPLATH!

Over 18 years, I have built two restaurants, and have been very successful in choosing great people who are dedicated to the same things that I am.  Caring for our guests.  Caring for each other. Trying our best.  Getting better. Being better.  Never being completely satisfied.

Along the way, I have taught many employees, many things.  And I have been schooled time and again, in too many ways to share.  I have hired and trained many chefs, to do things "our way", the right way, regardless of their level of culinary skill.  In spite of mine. All the while, over 18 years, through modest successes and monumental failures (a future story), I have NEVER had the pleasure to work alongside a chef who humbles me.  (Not easily achieved) 

Until now.

My new executive chef, and also a friend, Chef Robert Jean, has long envisioned returning to create culinary excellence in his childhood “backyard” of Tyngsboro, MA

In the last 12 years he has reached the pinnacle of culinary succcess in Boston, conceiving and directing award winning food, exceptional service, and culinary innovation throughout the city.

Rob has led the kitchen at Boston icon, Mistral, where I had the best tuna tartare that I have had in my life, to this day.

From Mistral, Chef Rob opened Teatro, a rustic Italian bistro, and after great success, ultimately helped to re imagine Italian cuisine, while opening Mistral’s “kid sister”, Sorellina—since called the “finest of the Boston dining scene” while securing the highest Zagat rating possible for 6 consecutive years, collecting stars and awards every year, year in and year out.

Beyond teaming with Chef Jamie Mammamo in the aforementioned, Robert has worked and/or collaborated with iconic Lydia Shire, Rob Evans, Marc Orfaly, and Tony Souzi.  In 2009, Chef Jean took home 1^st prize with his “Best Buddy”, during this annual charitable event for challenged youths, “defeating” other notable chefs Michael Schlow, Barbara Lynch and Daniel Bruce.

In 2007, Jean was invited to cook at New York City’s James Beard House.  Jean’s Sorellina was voted “Top 50” Boston Restaurants for 4 years in a row and “Best Italian Restuarant”, by Boston Magazine, Best of Boston while receiving 3 ½ stars from Boston Globe and The highest Zagat Rating in the city for 6 consecutive years!

Yet, with all the awards and accolades, Chef Jean’s proudest achievement?  The ongoing education afforded aspiring culinary professionals, while sending them on to successful careers in the restaurant industry.

Rob is now the chef at Moonstones.  Whether we are able to win more awards, and attract greater media attention up in Chelmsford, oustide of the glow of the city, is of little concern to me.  Finally, after 18 years, I have the honor to work with a chef who absolutely loves what he does, and does it better than anyone else!  Welcome home chef!

(Read more about Chef Jean in the next issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine.  Better than that, come in, taste his food and ask to say hello.  He would love to visit your table)