Monday, April 15, 2013

Venegas Sold To Houston Chef? Changing From A Steakhouse, Bringing Some Celebrity Chef Flair?

Venegas Prime Filet in Fulton may be getting a new owner, a new concept, and a taste of celebrity chef flair.

Robert Gadsby -- former executive chef at the Biltmore Hotel in LA and a 2007 contestant on Iron Chef America -- wants to take over the restaurant in Maple Lawn.  I hear that the deal is real, although they're taking the slow approach on changes and publicity, which seems impressive and thoughtful to me.

Gadsby worked with Ridgwells caterers, according to a Foodie-ism blog profile and a Bethesda Magazine article from 2011.  Now there is a LinkedIn page that says he runs RG's Bar-b-que Cafe in Houston.  I hope some real food reporters can get more details.  I hear that the sale is contingent on working with the developer.  No huge changes now, but Gadsby wants to move from steakhouse to a new cuisine.

6 comments:

  1. looks like he's been through quite a few restaurants over the past few years. bedford in houston, mussel bar in bethesda, and now the catering company....

    hopefully he stays around a little longer this time around.

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  2. We bought a Groupon for here and are going this coming Saturday. We'll see if it is the steakhouse we bought or some new concept. Hopefully staff will be present in the moment and not thinking about the coming upheaval.

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  3. Wonderful! He's a very talent chef, can't wait !!!!

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  4. I went there a few days ago and was told Gadsby's new menu could be available in one week but changes to the interior won't happen until later in the year. We need some fine dining on this side of the Beltway...

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  5. Looks like they are closed for a few weeks?

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  6. anonymous.... the new owners are local and this will be a new venture, they will revamp the menu "Paella" soon will fill the Maple Lawn appetite.

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