Here’s What to Expect From Chad Gelso, Aldine’s New Chef
The Pennsylvania native plans to expand the menu, highlight local producers, and boost the restaurant's bar program.
Aldine/Facebook | Chef Chad Gelso
George and Jennifer Sabatino, the power couple behind Aldine, split up last year — and their business partnership soon followed, with Jennifer keeping the restaurant.
As of yesterday, George is heading up the kitchen at Rooster Soup Co. — and now, Jennifer Sabatino has hired a new chef. Chad Gelso, a northeast Pennsylvania native, started as Aldine’s new executive chef on Valentine’s Day.
Gelso attended New England Culinary Institute in Vermont before cooking at the Michelin-starred Auberge du Lac in England; he came to Philly in 2010 and worked at Eric Ripert’s 10Arts and Buddakan. He’s staged at spots like Dan Barber’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Alinea in Chicago.
Gelso returns to Philadelphia after two years heading up the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Fiola in Washington, D.C.
So far, Gelso has made changes to about half the existing menu; a fully revamped menu — about twice as big, with around two dozen dishes. In addition to a larger selection, he plans to showcase more local farms, add a section of fresh pastas, and offer more sharing plates.
He’s also boosting the bar program, with plans to add more cocktails, crudo and raw bar items, plus unique small bites with a playful Philly twist — like a mini rye cannoli with caviar and house-whipped ricotta and mini zeppoli topped with foie gras mousse and sea salt.
“It’s kind of like a homecoming after I got some great experience,” Gelso said. “It’s really great to be back in the city with great chefs and a great food scene. I’m really amped up about that.”
Aldine’s new menu is set to launch on Tuesday, February 20th.
