Why Matt Levin left the Rittenhouse
Chef Matt Levin has left the Rittenhouse, and he says he's opening his own restaurant.
Why Matt Levin left the Rittenhouse
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Chef Matt Levin's last day at the Rittenhouse Hotel was Monday.
The Culinary Institute of America-trained Levin, who succeeded Jean-Marie Lacroix at the fancy Lacroix at the Rittenhouse in 2006, told me he wants to "take the next step in the progression of my career."
That means, he says, opening his own restaurant while "I still have the energy and notoriety." He and his financial backer, whose name he would not spill, are looking at spots in Center City and Northern Liberties.
Concept will be great food "at a price point that even a guy making $10 an hour at TLA Video can afford -- three plates for like $35," he said. "When people think of my name, they don't think of hamburger, but we'll have that and great barbecue ribs."
He's aiming for the vibe to be "fun, hip and buzzy" and is thinking of using a local graffiti artist to do the design.
As first reported on City Paper's "Meal Ticket," chef de cuisine Jason Chichonski will run the restaurant. The hotel, which calls the departure amicable, is looking for his successor.
La Croix is a bargain compared to what I pay for a decent meal in NYC.— lyon_001- Funny how all of the other comments that were on the negative side are now gone... Unbiased at it's finest.— suej
- Yeah, wow. One of those comments was mine. Maybe what should be removed is the entry itself!— EGillCVI
- I was delighted to learn Levin has left La Croix. After three disasters I decided to call it quits. Now I can go back again and hopefully enjoy a meal like Jean Marie used to prepare.— charles gottesman
- I have known Chef Levin for a very very long time and look forward to seeing him again really soon.— ivan.richman
