Rumormongering: Setting the Record Straight On Thomas Keller and Le Bec-Fin


Yes, there was a moment there over the weekend–while we were all trying to figure out the details of the changing of the guard at Le Bec-Fin–that I thought to myself, “You know what would be cool? If Thomas Keller actually came to Philly himself.”

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who was thinking that. As far as rumors go, that one had some legs. But it’s a long way to go from daydreaming to wish-fulfillment, and while I hate to dash anyone’s hopes for a Yountville-style renaissance on Walnut Street when French Laundry GM Nicolas Fanucci comes to take over operations at Le Bec, this morning I talked to Gerald San Jose at the Per Se offices in New York, and he told me in no uncertain terms that this was not going to happen.

“The Thomas Keller Restaurant Group has no involvement, whether operational or otherwise, with Le Bec-Fin,” San Jose said. What’s more, he made it very clear that “Chef Keller will not be involved.

As to those coming from the Restaurant Group–leaving it, in other words, to come to Philly? San Jose had no comment, explaining that Fanucci will be issuing a release in the coming days that will lay out his plans for Le Bec-Fin and how it will be staffed.

As soon as we know more, you’ll know more.

The End Of An Era: Georges Perrier Cedes Control of Le-Bec-Fin [Foobooz]