Just before Thanksgiving, Craft Dallas’ GM Max Rudberg left the restaurant. He said, “I did not see eye to eye with the hotel’s upper management and their proposed changes. They want to dumb down one of the city’s best restaurants.”
Apparently executive chef Jeff Harris has also found a greener pasture. Today comes the announcement that Tim Bevins will replace Harris as chef de cuisine. James Cobb (Terelli’s Dallas/Frisco, Steel, Standard, Dragonfly) will be the new general manager. Bevins has held various culinary positions at both the Dallas and Atlanta of Craft. He has also been in the local kitchens at Dragonfly, George Restaurant, and The Mercury. Harris is scheduled to open “his own place” on Henderson.
The press release is below. What I find odd is that there is not a quote from Tom Colicchio. It is my understanding that while Colicchio doesn’t actually own Craft Dallas, he retained the right to appoint the head chef. Curious. Just curious.
DALLAS, January 4, 2011 – craft | DALLAS located at W Dallas – Victory is excited to announce that it is ringing in 2011 with a new management team at the helm of the highly acclaimed contemporary American-themed restaurant. James Cobb assumes the role of general manager this week, and Tim Bevins, who becomes Chef de Cuisine starting January 16, will bring their own interpretation, while staying true to Tom Colicchio’s craft concept of preparing the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients with simplicity and finesse. Both men are familiar with Dallas’ fine dining scene, and are acutely aware of what it takes to remain a standout in this highly competitive restaurant market.
Chef Bevins will lead the kitchen following the mid-month departure of beloved craft | DALLAS Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Harris who is leaving to pursue his own venture after cooking-up a great reputation during his four-year tenure at the restaurant. Similar to Harris, Bevins is well-versed in the craft style of cooking having held various culinary positions at both the Dallas and Atlanta craft locations, most recently serving as Executive Sous Chef at craft | ATLANTA. He also previously worked at the Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, George Restaurant and The Mercury.
The new GM, James Cobb is a Dallas native who has climbed the managerial ranks at some of the area’s most noted establishments with previous stints at Terelli’s Dallas/Frisco, Steel, Standard and most recently at the Dragonfly. He assures diners that they can expect to receive the same exemplary service and seasonally crafted menu selections they have come to associate with craft | DALLAS over the years.
“While it is certainly sad to bid farewell to the talented Jeff Harris, we wish him the very best in his new endeavor as he turns the kitchen over to Chef Tim Bevins,” said Thomas Caramucci, General Manager of W Dallas – Victory. “Patrons are in for a treat when they personally experience Chef Tim Bevins’ energy and passion for the craft style of cooking. We couldn’t ask for a better fit than James and Tim and are thrilled to welcome them both aboard.”
Diners are invited to follow craft | DALLAS on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/craftdallas) and Twitter (@craftdallas) for the latest on new dining events and specials with Chef Tim Bevins at craft | DALLAS.
Chef Jeffrey Harris is expected to separately announce further details about his new venture in the coming days.
About W Dallas – Victory
A member of W Hotels Worldwide®, W Dallas – Victory opened as part of the Victory Park development in June 2006. Located deep in the heart of Dallas, the posh playground offers Lone Star hospitality, stylish digs and Mega-sized rooms. W Dallas – Victory charms its guests with sensory indulgences wrapped in cowboy cool. Indulge at Tom Colicchio’s craft | DALLAS restaurant; revel at Ghostbar®; steam, de-stress and relax at Bliss® Spa Dallas; or get WET® in the outdoor infinity pool offering 16th floor views of the city. The hotel was also named a “Top New Hotel” by MSN in 2007 and received a “Best Business Hotels” designation by Forbes Magazine in 2006. For more information, please visit www.wdallashotel.com. Follow the property on Facebook (W Dallas – Victory Hotel & Residences) and Twitter (WDallas) to stay updated on current specials, promotions and events. <http://www.wdallashotel.com>
