Friday, February 14, 2014

Brendan Sodikoff Takes Over Waldorf Astoria Dining, Plus More Red-Hot Dining & Drinking News

sodikoff
Photo via the Chicago Tribune

The man just doesn't stop.

Now the tireless restaurateur behind such cult favorites as Au Cheval, Bavette's and the newly opened Green Street Meats is taking over the dining program at the Waldorf Astoria, according to Eater Chicago:

"(Brendan) Sodikoff will reconcept Balsan, but details on what it will become are currently unavailable. His company will also handle Bernard's Bar, in-room dining and special events, putting his design stamp on the hotel as a whole."

When pressed for more details, Sodikoff told 312DD: "All I can say is we're really excited about the partnership."

In other dining news, Ty Fujimura (Arami, Chop Shop) tells 312DD that he's selling Streeterville-based Arami GO!, which is a casual offshoot of the original.

"I'm selling the Arami GO! spot in Streeterville for super cheap. ... It's fully fixtured and ready to rock."

And The Gage's head bartender Thomas Mooneyham is moving on, according to his latest Facebook status:

"Friends, cohorts, drinking buddies, and pals, as many of you know, The Gage has been an incredible opportunity for me. Over the last year and a half I have had the honor of working alongside some of my favorite people. However, as much as it saddens me to say it, I am stepping down from my position and leaving The Gage. Now through the end of the month, please swing by and raise a pint, bend an elbow, have a cheeky, or whatever your 'drinking phrase' is."

There's no word yet on where he'll end up next.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wherever Mr. Mooneyham goes, hope the owner is ready for him to give away tons of free booze!

Anonymous said...

I swa him working behind the bar at Bar DeVille tonight. Maybe he is taking a management position with Heisner's company.