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Big E: The Saga Continues
Eric Austin's no angel, but he's a hell of a chef.
An email from Melanie Kell, wife of chef Eric Austin, tipped me off to this news: Big E is out as chef of the Bourbon Street Steakhouse. The news came as a surprise to Austin: "I was just blindsided," Austin told me. "I didn't see it coming." According to Big E, owner Richard Defoe simply informed him that now that the restaurant was up and running, his services were no longer needed. (I called Defoe for comment and got a call back saying that he would be out of the office until Friday. Stay tuned.)
Austin posted his side of the story on the restaurant's website, www.bourbonstreetsteakhouse.com : "It was my hope to bring to you the most authentic New Orleans dining experience that I was capable of - instead that mission has been delegated to the parties I trained, but do not believe are ready to carry out a menu of this caliber independently. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience endorse, recommend or support the efforts of Bourbon Street Steak House.
I apologize for any misinformation given regarding this, and give my warmest regards to the customers I had the fortune of meeting and getting to know while this venture was underway. As always, I wish you good dining - and I'll see ya' around."
-Chef Eric (Big E) Austin
Note to owners: It's usually a good idea to maintain ownership of your restaurant's website.
Austin does have a history of rocky relationships with owners and investors. CityPages restaurant critic Rachel Hutton posted Austin's announcement on her blog, and then dug up Austin's arrest record: he was arrested and charged with assaulting one of the investors in his business in 2005, and a few days later with violating a restraining order, and then in 2006 he was arrested and charged with punching a different business partner, and the partner's girlfriend.
Austin says there is another side to that story, too, which Kell sent me in an email. I have edited out the names of some of the parties involved, since I don't have their side of the story:
t's time to clear a few things up! I've been under the impression for a long time that if you play by the rules and keep your proverbial nose to the grind stone, you'll get ahead in this world. But with each one of my efforts to introduce my cuisine to the Twin Cities, I get a little wiser and my eyes are opened to the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" that are in waylay. There are sinister forces out there that wish the worst on any worthwhile endeavor. "Build it and they will come" isn't just a romantic notion of success that is portrayed on the big screen, especially if you realize that "they" means everyone - those that wish you well, and the others - those that do not.
On the first assault charge:
"The banking group that financed Big E's sold their major shares to this group (a group of investors - ed.) making them the instant owners of Big E's. I was told that I could continue to be the name and the face (and draw I might add) while they ran the business. They soon determined that Big E's would be better suited selling "middle-eastern" cuisine - gyros, falafel, kafta, etc. ...and eliminate "pork" from its menu all together. With this, my response was "No, that's not soul food and that's not what built this business! It's not going to be Big E's then." I was told that this is what had been decided and what was going to happen, that I no longer owned s#$&. To which I replied "Then I'll just take my things and go and you can do whatever the f#$% you want to do with the place.""I walked over to the wall and started to retrieve the many acrylic black and white portraits my wife and I had painted, and a hand over my shoulder blocked me. "These are not yours anymore either!" "Like hell they're not!" To prove his point (one of the investors) grabbed the painting out of my hand and destroyed it right in front of my face. "They're mine and I can destroy them all if I want!" This would be the part of the show where Bill Bixby's eyes lit up green, just before the transformation to the Hulk. My hands were upon him and his allies were upon me and the dance began. When it was all said and done in court, a restraining order was issued...
On the charge of violating the restraining order:
I showed up next to the now "new Big E's" (funny) to meet with Jason Dang (wow! that's another story) of Soul City Supper Club. We were standing outside of the restaurant forging another partnership when (the investor who sought the restraining order) came out of the original Big E's and asked what we were doing. "This has nothing to do with you. I am making plans with my new partner and we're going to open up here."
Moments later the police arrived stating that I was in violation of the restraining order... Once in court, the judge cited that the violation was ridiculous because if I were to be in a business right next door ...that he (the judge) would not make me enter in the back door and that it was fair business and the charge was dropped...As for this next one:
On the second assault charge:
Here's a guy, whom I only knew as a customer in Big E's who asked me at Market Barbecue one night after he and I both had drank a few, that he be allowed to partner with me. "I don't need a partner right now, but thanks." You would think that would be the end of it, but then, he'd had a few, so the next thing I heard was, "So you think you're better than I am n#$%@!" - not pulling the race card here. I'm from the deep South so that wasn't the first time I've heard it and had long ago learned to walk away with a smirk over whoever ignorance had said it. So I turned to do so and this fool grabbed my shoulder to turn me around. (Green eyes again) He got decked! Then his girlfriend jumped on my back and the crowd broke us apart. "You saw him! You all saw him! He hit us! Call the police!" In court the defense lawyer said that the guy was suing for $60,000.00 or a partnership interest. Or we could just plead to 5th degree assault and be done with it. And that's what we did. Wow!!!!!!
So there you have it. Am I a talentless, egotistical, maniacal chef with tyranny as the basis for my actions? There will always be those of you out there that believe this of me. But I will keep tying to get the type of cuisine and Southern hospitality many of you know me for.
The good news is, Austin has another restaurant project in the works, Chef E's House of Soul. It's a duplex near the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, that he hopes to open by next February.
62 Reader Comments
A strong man has to fight for what he believes in. Especially if it has to do with protecting your family and livelyhood. I have been dealt with some unfair situations so I can understand the references made to the Hulk. Sometimes you have just had ENOUGH!
I wish him all the sucesses to come, because each of my experiences with him have shown him to be genuine and talented. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Big E.
I don't care anything about this controversy. Chef Eric's unique talents for cuisine are highly underappreciated in this town. I wish people would just let the man cook!
Have faith, Chef Eric. God watches out over good men. We all know that when you are walking a rightous path and awakening the spirits within people, sometimes it attracts the devil, too. You have been trying to take Soul Food and rise it up to be respected in the same way that MLK spoke the truth. He went through many adversities and trials just as yourself. Hang in there my brother and good will surely come your way. PS - Thank you for being so kind to my mother when I brought her to visit. We will never forget your Red Velvet Cake.
I have never had a bad experience in one of Big E's restaurants where he has ever been the type of chef like you see on that T.V show with that guy just screaming at everybody in front of people and calling them names and stuff. Everytime E comes out he's funny and will even serve you himself and bring you extra treats that he's got in back. Has anything been written about this Richard guy? What about his background? I read in Mpls/St. Paul Mag that he just did this same thing in his last restaurant to the last chef. Maybe E is right. I would be interested in knowing some more about him. These articles are one sided. Looking forward to the new place. Still a fan E.
I'm glad that someone published Big E's side of the story. I've read all the sites and Blogs and that it seems to me, if the man could just cook - everything would work out just fine. Why is it that people can't just appreciate something good for what it is and stop trying to take control of it or take credit for it?
He just wants to cook good food - and I just want to eat it! Leave him alone people
An artist that is not passionate about his craft is not truly an artist at all. I don't blame him for being pissed off. It seems that a lot of people want to take his stuff - but not let his succeed from it.
Why isn't anyone looking into the guy that fired Eric? Maybe he's no @#$%& angel either. Either way, he'll get what he deserves, that place won't be squat without E. Anyway, it's too far away and Valentinos is not even a good night club. E would have been the perfect draw. They blew it big time. E will be better off back in Mpls where those of us that love his food can get to it.
I've been to one of chef E's cooking classes. The man knows what he's talking about. Southern history, food knowlege, cooking techniques, he's funny and engaging. I think the class was 3 hours. It felt like 5 minutes. My girlfriend and I wanted more. We could've listened all day. He's the black version of Emeril.
My girlfriend and I took a cooking class by chef E. If he doesn't make it as a chef, he could easily be a comedian. The man is hilarious. But I hope he makes it as a chef, his food is terrific!!!
Mr. Iggers, can we see some responsible journalism here? You posted "stay tuned" about some information on Richard Defoe, but posted nothing on him after that. But it seems that you, along with every other food writer in the city (CP, Mpls Mag, Alt mag) can only dig up dirt on Big E. ...(comments edited)...But I will give you kudos on your article saying that Big E is a helluva chef. That is the honest to Gods truth. The man is one fine cook!!!
Thanks for your comment. First of all, I didn't dig up any dirt on Eric Austin - I just gave him the chance to tell his side of the story, which included information about his arrest record which he and his wife provided. Richard Defoe is also welcome to tell his side of the story.
I edited your comments, because you provided no factual basis for your speculation. But at least we agree on one thing: Eric Austin is one fine cook.
Okay, this guys food may be pretty good, but who do you all think he is - JESUS? I've gone to blog after blog and he is all that people are talking about. Never tasted his food myself, but I get it! Okay you all think the guys a pretty decent chef. There's war out there and all you guys want to do is feed your faces!!!
This is a food blog dude or girl!!! We know that gas prices are high and war is prevalent and Obama versus Mccain and everthing else. Which is why more that ever we need Big E's food. He is the king of comfort food in my book. And we need comfort now more than ever. It was nice to get dressed with my wife and get away from CNN for some Mac and cheese, for some steak and potatoes or anything that ig E cooked. Maybe his new place should be in Washington D.C so that some of the politicians can calm down and get some comfort food. nd as for the angry black woman, attacking Jeremy Iggers doesn't help - the guy gave E good reviews from the beginning - if you go back to the original Big E's eremy has written kind of E since then so chill!
It's lunch time right now!!! Where is Big E and where is my blackened catfish Po' Boy!!! Someone find E!
Have you checked out his website www.bigesoul.com he has some videos on it and one of them is him making the blackened catfish. You should check it out, I made it, its really simple and very good. I don't know how he makes a po boy out of it, but its excellent on a salad
OMG am going to scream!!! Please not subway again! Where is E!!! Can we call him like underdog or shine a beam of light in the air with a big E in it like batman! Help! Help! E we need you!
I just got back from lunch - needless to say, not from Big E. Richard Defoe I will never forgive you for this!!!
My friend and I just got back from lunch. Oh where o where has my chef Big E gone??? Oh where oh where can he beeeeee!!! I'm no polly pure bread but this sucks!
My husband and I went there recently and was not very impressed. Quite frankly we were shocked, the waitstaff were inexperienced and didn't seem to know very much about the food they were serving, not to mention giving us a huge list of items that they were out of. If it hadn't been for the long ride we had just taken to get there we would have walked right out. We settled on steaks which were okay, but I left feeling surprised at Chef Eric and thought, oh no, what happened to him? We had gone to his place lots of times in Mpls but this was nothing like we remembered. This explains alot. My friend e-mailed me several links after I told her of our horrible experience and needless to say my husband and I are relieved to know that it wasn't Eric's doing. Now we're just upset and want to warn others, it's too long a hike for disapointing food. If Eric isn't there, maybe the tacky banner outside of the building should say: "Don't bother, Eric isn't here"
I wish Chef E had a cooking show. His stories are so funny and he always makes me feel like I could be sucessful in my little kitchen if I try. I f you haven't checked out his videos yet, you should. They are really good! They are at www.BigEsoul.com
Hang in there Chef - we will still be hungry when you get your next place!
If there are some cooking schools out there like kitchen window or some place like that - if you're reading these blogs, it might not be a bad idea to ask Big E to partner up with you so that the rest of us starving souls out here can possibly learn some of Big E's secrets. If not just come to the class and eat.
Dear Mr. Iggers, does your publication ever do pieces on chefs that might possibly include some recipes? I'm referring to Chef E of course. Is this something your editors would consider. Signed another hungry foodie at General Mills
Dear editors of Rake, there are a few of us at General Mills who are big fans of Big E and were wondering if you all over there would do another lighter story about Chef E (include recipes please - we're dying to try them in our kitchens here)?
As you have probably guessed by now, we're fund (to say the least) of Chef Eric's cooking. We have formed a committee campaigning for a piece to be done on chef Big E. Please join our campaign. Help us keep E.
P.S. It's not just because Melanie works here either! We honestly love E.
Hi Mel.
Dear Jeremy, we are a group that loves E's cooking. Have you ever had his peach cobbler? We are asking you to please consider a less controversial piece on Chef E. Maybe a Peach Cobbler expose. A loyal baker at General Mills
I don't know what all of those past stories (and supposed charges) has to do with anything - they were what, a few years ago? If E was like that, then meeting the man shows that he's changed. Anyway all I know is that you can really tell that chef E has left the building. The place lacks charm, laughter and luster and most of all the sounds of people enjoying themselves. It's too far of a trip to take to visit a (empty) neighborhood joint - which is what it has become. Don't waste your gas.
Just because someone is arrested doesn't mean that they are convicted. Was E ever convicted of all of these charges? I have been arrested for a couple of parking tickets I forgot to pay. You can be arrested simply if someone accuses you of something even if its untrue.
A friend just forwarded me this link and this is stupid. We seem to be obsessed in this country with tearing down other people who are actually contributing good things. We get a great politician and we print everything bad we can find out. We get a great leader anywhere and we break them down. We are all human and so far from perfect that we have no right trying to point out the faults of others. Lets focus on the good that the person is trying to do. Didn't Jesus say: Those of you without sin, cast the first stone.
Maybe Obama should have picked E as a running mate - at least then we could have had a (beer can) chicken in every pot ;)
There are a group of us at work here at ***** who obviously don't plan on working today, but are talking food. Something we do best. Dear Jeremy, this guys the genuine deal. Chef Eric is our hero. Meet the guy for five minutes and you will instantly like the man. Nothing fake, a real smile and if ever there is a problem with anything on your plate, he snatches it up right away and in a few minutes emerges from the back with it tasting better than ever. He takes it real personal. We need more chefs like this in this stripmall restaurant in a box town. Get him back!
Why can't this guy get a break?
I just visited Chef E's site at www.bigesoul.com and he has a page called chef e's video tips. For the ladies that wanted recipes he has some great videos of him in (I think) his kitchen and they look easy to follow and they're fun. You can really get a glimpse of his personality. He is the same on the videos as I've seen him at his restaurants.
I don't think chef Big E should have even bothered with justifying the CP blog, I read it and sometimes it gives more attention to the negative side of an issue than what is really important. Your food is what we love about you chef. Your personal life is really no ones business. But since we do the same thing to most movie stars, maybe you should consider yourself a star.
Mr. Iggers in your food travels is there any other place like Eric's restaurant or his food in the Twin Cities? My wife and I have Southern relatives coming to live with us because of the hurricane and we would like to take them someplace where they can feel at home since I'm sure that they'll be homesick. You reported that Big E's new place won't be open until February, is there someplace "you" recommend in the meantime?
Hi Chef, Hi Mel, I just got home and got your links and this is sad. You guys hang in there and I know God has alot in store for you. To all of you reading this, this is a beautiful family. No one seems to be reporting the wonderful things that they do for the community, so let me say that chef spends alot of time cooking at community food shelves (free of charge) and talking to high schools and donating food to so many causes - we see him at March of dimes, American Liver foundation, AIDS foundation and no one is more promoting and supportive of her husbands efforts than Melanie. In the recent controversy, it has been Melanie alerting the entire community to the outrage that chef goes through, where Eric busys himself trying to continue his campaign - Melanie gets people involved with his efforts. I can't believe all of the bad people that constantly try to tear him down (but the devil is busy) and he keeps on making that fantastic food of his. He clearly loves what he does and people can taste it in their dishes. That's why no matter what evil happens to him he continues to have the support of all of us - his family in the community, and we will never stop supporting this enterprising young brother. May God bless you all and kiss that pretty little baby girl for me. Pastor Mary Jenkins. MB Missionary Baptist Church
I'm glad you forwarded this to me Pastor. Yes I will be glad to tell people about the work that Chef E does. All you have to do is ask this brother and he never hesitates to participate in socials, food drives, cooking for our sick and shut ins, and fundraisers. He is genuine to everyone and everyone is thrilled to me him. Be strong brother. God and good is on your side.
You're in all of our prayers Chef E. When you get your new place will you do Sunday Brunch again. Miss the chicken and waffles and shrimpand grits.
A fellow church member sent this blog to me and asked me to comment on Big E's behalf. From what I know about Minnesota, and I've lived here over 30 years, there has never been a chef who has crossed the color line and been accepted by whites in this state like Big E. We had Lucilles and Sallies, but you never saw many whites in those establishments. When he had his place on Nicollet you could walk in and see practically every nationality sitting together and eating E's food without outward predjudice. If they hated each other you wouldn't know it in there. And I haven't seen another african american chef in this town that newspapers acknowlege (are there any others?) You see this brother on T.V, in the newspapers and he is doing alot to help promote his race in a positive way. Lets not tear the brother down like we do so many of our other black entrepeneurs. wish I had the money to fund the brother myself. We should try to support Big E's efforts. Maybe there's a successful (honest) business man out there reading this who can contact the brother and giive him some help - invest in the brother and I'm sure you won't be sorry. He has many customers waiting for his return. It would be a good investment if you did it right.
Amen to that brother, can we get a story Mr. Iggers on the good the brother has done? I've read some of your other articles, can we talk more about the food the brother cooks. There isn't a better cook around when E is on the scene. I'm not big on fancy restaurants, but E even cooks that stuff too. The man is bad!
I'm glad E set the record straight about his arrest record. This way people can't form their own opinions. And he keeps on cooking. Seems like he did what he thought he had to do and paid the consequenses for it. It never said that he went to jail or prison for his actions and since the law has said they're done with it, we should be too.
Can we mention again that this was in 2005 and 2006. How long are we going to ride the guy with this. Has anyone seen the CP Blog on this story. Move on people!
Big E if you're reading this, you are going to have soooo many customers in your new place I hope you have enough room. "This too will pass" You're in our prayers.
Does anyone remember the Chef Kevin Cullen article from Goodfellows in Mpls? No, probably not. That guy was convicted of some major major stuff. I think he embezelled like 60 thousand or more I think (embezelled meaning stole) from his restaurant and no one made as big a deal as they are making with Chef E. It just goes to show you the one sided nature of how people of color are portrayed. I'm a young African American culinary student at MCTC and have had the honor of meeting Chef E and attending one of his classes. The man is a food encyclopedia. Just ask him a question and he has the answer ready. Wham! Just like that.Richard Defoe is going to reap what he sews. But lets let the Chef do his thing and support him.
The bottom line E is that your new place was just too far for those of us that love your food, to be regulars. Count this as a blessing in disguise and put your next place someplace closer where we can all get to you.
Melanie and Big E catered my 50th birthday party exactly five years ago here in lily white Kenwood after we stumbled across their restaurant on Nicollet. We loved the restaurant and went there many times, and our only complaint was that we couldn't always get in when we wanted! We love their food, and everyone had a terrific time at our party. I didn't know where they had gone, and I've never heard of the Bourbon St. restaurant, but I wish them both loads of luck in the new venture and we'll be looking for it!
Attention all future employers of Chef Eric Austin, it's obvious that people love Big E in this town and as you can see from the many many comments, we are outraged whenever his food is snatched away from us. May I suggest that if ever you get the fortune to have the man in your kitchen that you let him be. We will come to your establishment in great numbers. We will always remain loyal to chef E - cross him and you'll rue the day. To Richard Defoe - START RUING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it wasn't for this 700 billion bail out hope I'd move my money on an investment in Big E (lol) There must be some millionaire out there who wants a good investment. Get your money out of the banks, they're scandalous and in trouble. Big E is a safe investment. He'll make you lots of money - but you still won't be able to put it in the banks!
Mr Iggers, has Big E gone into hiding again or is he somewhere working in another restaurant? If so, is that restaurant near the downtown area cause the folks here at the post office are huuuuuunnnngry! I really want to know. Pleeeease!
So with all of this in Big E's past, the CP blog with him potrayed as the Hulk, and posted arrest reports of violence - Mr. Defoe supposedly told Chef E that he was taking over and Big E didn't go ballistic???? Could it just be that this characterization of Big E based on a couple of incidents a year apart and none since (even on this account) have been blown way out of proportion. Shouldn't Mr. Defoe have expected to be hit or met with some crazed behavior based on these past reports? There was no arrest this incident, there was no violence, no public record of any police being called this incident so maybe we should let the character assination of chef E go. It's damaging to a person when these things are given fertilizer to grow. Look at how long we're tuning in to hear about the mans past. We strive in this society on the negative aspect of people's lives and tilt the scales to the negative when those things are weighed against the good that people do (which never makes the news by the way - sensationalism sells) I read a statement from a Pastor in these comments that said that Big E often cook for the homeless and yet I have never come across a story on him doing so. That's really big! But nice isn't interesting. The man supposedly had an incident a couple of years ago and is compelled to still defend it and yet we wonder why he goes into hiding. From what I understand or know about the man, he just wants to cook good food and serve good food. That doesn't seem like enough for some of us. I for one want the man's food. If you've ever had it, you would believe as I do, this guy is talented, and genius usually comes with quirks but E is not a dangerous man. If you've ever spent five minutes with the man, you wouldn't think that either. Thank you Mr. ggers for quoting what really matters, "Eric Austin's no angel, but he's a hell of a chef." Let's just go with that. Your word of the day.
Wow! Tell us how you REALLY feel about Big E. This is a comment blog, some of us only get a half hour lunch.
This guy seems to be the hot topic out here in blogville. Believe me, no one knows the blog scene like Mr. Fantastic here, and this is what I've checked out on chef Big E:
http://www.citypages.com/2008-08-20/restaurants/big-e-is-back/
http://blogs.citypages.com/food/index.php?page=2
http://msp.blogs.com/foodiefile/2008/09/big-e-in-the-wi.html
I hope it was alright that I listed those other sites those of you at Rake, just saying that in my surfing for the latest hot topics, this guy keeps popping up. I mean, who the hell is he? Makes me wish I had tasted his food. So any idea on where this guy is now? I would just like to know what the big @#$%&* deal is?
Thanks Barb for forwarding me this. Needless to say that this is unfortunate. The diversity group was really looking forward to holding our meetings at E's new place, but it does not look like this will be the case.
This was not a good decision on your part Mr. Defoe, to have the faculty group of the Uof M as allies could have been profitable to your establishment and beneficial to our message of promoting diversity though sitting down together and breaking bread with our associates in an effort to educate them on our culture and cuisine. Chef E we feel, best represents our rich diverse culinary history and was fundamentally equipped to do the same for all of your customers. The loss is ours, but truly yours. We wish Chef Eric all of the luck in the future and we will be looking forward to where he turns up next.
When is this town going to learn to respect and give credit to the rich diversity that Eric's cuisine brings? E's food attracts people from all cultures and from all economic backgrounds. Noted award winning author Alice Walker stated that: "...black people possess the secret of joy." For us, the citizens of Minneapolis and short lived in St. Paul, that joy was Eric Austin's reverance for his craft - cooking. If you have ever tasted it you would know like we all do - it is the very soul of our people.
A luta continua Chef E (the struggle continues)
As anyone reading the many many positive comments regarding this story (not just about the dismissal of chef Eric Austin, but about the love people have for the man himself) it is clear that he represents not only a man who has achieved great admiration for the skills he possess, but for the effort in bringing many cultures together through food. We in the black community view this young brother as more than a cook. He is the visible evidence to our children (whom he speaks to directly in several schools) of the ability they have to achieve excellence in any chosen endeavor. His talent is unquestionable (if you have ever had his bread pudding, you would agree), but more than that, his willingness to teach is or should be an inspiration for those of us who are concerned about the direction of racial tolerance in Minnesota. Sharing his culture and cuisine helps others understand who we are as African Americans. We love you Chef. Looking forward to your next endeavor.
Well, based on reading the article and the following few comments, must say that I am not African American, but I am a friend of Chef Eric's and my husband and I have been a loyal customer in each of his restaurants. The man is a magnificant talent and brings much needed taste to the Twin Cities. I am a transplanted Southerner and thought that my husband had moved me so far from my roots that I would never see a decent piece of fried chicken, or fried okra again. This is a real shame, but I know Big E, he always seems to land on his feet and this time I hope he sticks the landing.
Just finished watching the presidential debate and caroosing the web and came across this story on Big E. Is the whole @#$%$*& country on a smear campaign??????????????? Is it just me or does E sound like Obama, having to rehash and justify trivial charges again and again - give us a break! To Obama and McCain, chill, that stuff is not important! To Big E, just let them talk, your job is to just cook good food. Don't be a politician, just FEED US!
Does he know Reverend Wright or has he been palling around with known terrorists too? What does he cook for them? Is this man really ready to be our chef? Take away all of the fancy articles, the endearing comments, the crowds that come to his restaurants and in the end we must ask ourselves - Just who is Chef Eric Austin?????
With all of these allogations out there about this guy, I have to say that this is just typical chef behavior to me. As an industry insider I've worked with chef's whose tempermants were far more outrageous than this guys. And I'm sure this Richard Defoe guy knew this before hiring him. I've run across dozens of articles filled with praise on chef Eric just surfing the web. So I tend to favor the chef on this one. I have also had his food. Not another chef in his class better, that does the type of food he puts out with as many devouted followers - even Jeremy Iggers and most food writers in the Twin Cities acknowlege this. So why would I hire a guy with a supposed bad ass, volatile reputation, if I didn't have an alterior motive or think that the guy's food was going to be the key to my successful business? I can see why this keeps happening to the guy. Most business men aren't stupid - they know a good cash cow when they see one. I hope the chef wises up to this and asks for contracts in the future.
Does anyone know where chef is cooking these days, until he gets his place up - we really enjoy his tableside manner and food and would love to visit? Jeremy can you help?
Last I heard, chef Austin was working on a new restaurant in an old house near the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. He does maintain a website, http://www.bigesoul.com/, which has a contact page...
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