Chef Shuffle

Le Bec-Fin’s Nick Elmi Heads to Rittenhouse Tavern; No Word Yet on Who Will Helm Barclay Prime

The future home of Rittenhouse Tavern.
The future home of Rittenhouse Tavern. Photo: Courtesy uwishunu

Much has been said about Le Bec-Fin, its closing, Perrier’s (partial) departure from it, and what the new guard might bring. Still not much has been said about Nick Elmi, the bright young star who entered the Le Bec fold back in 2008 as Chef de Cuisine, before signing on as a partner and Executive Chef a year later. Well, not until now, anyway. Seems Elmi’s found a new place to hang his toque. It’s Rittenhouse Tavern, the project we told you back in July that Restaurant Associates were pulling together inside the Philadelphia Art Alliance building on 18th Street near Manning. Insider reports that the American bistro concept is on track for an April opening.

Meanwhile, just a block up on 18th Street, at Barcaly Prime, Eater has word that Executive Chef Stephen Wambach is out. You may recall in his earth shaking re-assessment of Philly’s dining landscape a few weeks ago, Inky critic, Craig Laban, lambasted Starr’s swanky steakhouse for not searing its steaks properly. Tsk. Tsk. There’s no word yet on who will replace Wambach.

Le Bec-Fin chef lands on his feet [Insider]
Stephen Wambach Out as Chef of Barclay Prime [Eater Philly]

Earlier: Say Au Revoir to Le Bec-Fin
Related: And Then There Was That Time the Grateful Dead Copped ‘Party Favors’ at Le Bec-Fin

Le Bec-Fin’s Nick Elmi Heads to Rittenhouse Tavern; No Word Yet on Who Will Helm