Eli Kulp Update: Spinal Cord Injury Will Require Months of Rehabilitation


Eli Kulp with Ellen Yin and Mayor Michael Nutter celebrating "Eli Kulp Day" in 2014.

Eli Kulp with Ellen Yin and Mayor Michael Nutter celebrating Kulp being named Best New Chef by Food & Wine.

In last week’s Amtrak train derailment we learned that chef Eli Kulp was seriously injured. Today we found out that Kulp suffered a severe spinal cord injury. Though he has already shown early signs of recovery, he will require months of rehabilitation.

Business partner Ellen Yin, who owns Fork and High Street on Market plus operates a.kitchen and a.bar, says “we are all standing behind Eli as he recuperates. Eli, his family and I thank all our friends, family and staff for their concern, love and support.  The restaurants are all busy with people wanting to let Eli know that they are thinking of him and that warms our hearts.”

The team that Kulp and Yin has built, including chefs de cuisine John Patterson of Fork, Jon Nodler of a.kitchen, High Street head baker Alex Bois and the rest of team will continue to handle the day-to-day operations at the restaurants.

Cards and well wishes can be sent to Fork, 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA  19106. A fundraiser is planned at Fork on Thursday, July 16th. The date was chosen because Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter declared it “Eli Kulp Day” after he was named one of Food and Wine’s Best New Chefs 2014.

The High Street Hospitality Group  asks everyone to keep in touch and keep Eli in their prayers.

A fundraising campaign has been started for Elmi. Details are here.

Eli Kulp [Philadelphia Magazine]