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Rumormongering: Setting the Record Straight On Thomas Keller and Le Bec-Fin
Posted by Jason Sheehan on February 13th, 2012
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]
Related Tags: Georges-Perrier, Le-Bec-Fin, Nicolas Fanucci, Per Se, Thomas Keller
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February 13th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Boo. I was hoping.
February 13th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
What?? You mean that Foobooz (and Victor Fiorillo) didn’t get it right the first time?? I’m shocked!
February 13th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
from the first report, there was no mention of Thomas Keller being involved was there? I thought I read it was just his GM from the French laundry and a chef from Per Se.
So why all of a sudden is Thomas Keller’s name being involved?
February 13th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
@Philly Ray
No, we mean that this is something people have been talking about since we broke the story on Saturday and we wanted to get to the bottom of it. Neither Victor or Foobooz ever said Keller (or his Restaurant Group) would be involved.
Read first, THEN comment. Just a tip for next time.
February 13th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
“As soon as we know more, you’ll know more.”
If past results are indicative of future performance, by the time you know more, we’ll already know it..
February 13th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Yes…and all of your stories have always been 100% accurate.
February 13th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Hey Philly Ray: Before you act like a dick (anonymously, even), get your own facts straight.
February 13th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
At least I’m acting…what’s your excuse??
February 13th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Sheehan-fiorillo You guys are so lame at Philthy Mag.
Why respond to anonymous posts if you don’t give a crap.
You are pathetic excuses for journalists because you knew all along it has nothing to do with Keller. Thank god for eater .om
February 14th, 2012 at 12:17 am
Good riddance…Let’s see how long this lasts. I hear he works well with woman offering sexual favors.
February 14th, 2012 at 12:27 am
Fanucci that is…I don’t mean to disrespect anyone in Philly.
February 14th, 2012 at 7:15 am
Nothin’ but class here on FooBozo. When are we going to get another featurette by these exalted journalists about stealing tchotchkes from area restaurants? Bonus follow up feature: “prices are going up at area restaurants, we investigate why..”