Jeff Raider Going to Italy to Study Under Umberto Montano; He’ll Return to Cook at Grand Tier at Lincoln Center
As I reported earlier, chef Jeff Raider has left One in Irvington to head up the Grand Tier restaurant at Lincoln Center. Here’s a press release from the Patina group, which owns the restaurant.
RENOWNED ITALIAN CHEF UMBERTO MONTANO TO PREMIERE NEW MENU AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA’S GRAND TIER RESTAURANT
Executive Chef Jeff Raider To Travel to Italy and Execute Montano’s Vision
NEW YORK, NY – August 27, 2008 – Patina Restaurant Group announced that the September 23rd opening of The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera House will introduce both a new chef and menu. The restaurant’s new Executive Chef, Jeff Raider, will execute the menu of the Florence-based chef and restaurateur, Umberto Montano.
Montano is known for balancing sophisticated Italian cuisine with age-old, traditional techniques, set beneath world-class art – a combination that made his restaurant Alle Murate one of Florence’s most famous. Alle Murate boasts breathtaking medieval art on its ceilings and walls that were uncovered by Montano and his staff. The frescoes date to the 14th century and include the only known portrait of Dante Alighieri.
The Grand Tier Restaurant menu will reflect Alle Murate’s, where Montano writes the menu by hand each day according to the produce available in the markets. Chef Raider will travel to Florence with Montano for two weeks to study his style and method, learning the menu. The team will then return to New York and Montano will oversee The Grand Tier Restaurant’s opening in September.
“I am excited to reinvent The Metropolitan Opera’s Grand Tier Restaurant with my friend, Umberto Montano,†said Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group.
Among Montano’s signature dishes that will be introduced in New York are gragnano pasta with a ragout of red snapper sauce and basil pesto, a mixed seafood stew with toasted rustic bread (noted for not including shellfish), free-range chicken stuffed with figs and prosciutto, crunchy veal with tuna sauce, beef filet marinated with balsamic vinegar and a parmesan soufflé.
In addition, The Grand Tier Restaurant will unveil photographs of Alle Murate’s frescoes that will be displayed innovatively in the restaurant to enhance the dining experience.
Chef Raider’s background includes time with Ed Brown, formerly of The Sea Grill. Raider has most recently held the executive chef position at One Restaurant in Irvington, New York.
Pre-ordered intermission dining is available to ensure a quick return to the performance, along with pre-curtain dining. The Grand Tier Restaurant is open to all Lincoln Center guests. Located on the Grand Tier level of the Metropolitan Opera House, the restaurant boasts impeccable service, a view of two breathtaking Chagall paintings and a wall of windows overlooking Lincoln Center’s fountain.
The Grand Tier Restaurant is located in the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center Plaza, 150 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023. Open at 6:00 pm to Lincoln Center ticket holders for pre-curtain and intermission dining. For reservations, guests can call (212) 799-3400.
About Patina Restaurant Group
Patina Restaurant Group (www.patinagroup.com) is the nation’s leading multi-concept operator in the premium segments of the restaurant and food service industry. On the East Coast its portfolio features New York City’s world-famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, Rock Center Café, The Sea Grill, Brasserie, Brasserie 8 ½, Naples 45 and The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Epcot World Showcase in Orlando, FLA and Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA.
On the West Coast the portfolio includes the renowned Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Paperfish in Beverly Hills, Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse, Café Pinot at the Maguire Gardens, Zucca Ristorante, Catal and three other restaurants in Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District®, Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge at the Orange County Performing Artscenter, Pinot Brasserie in Las Vegas and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout Southern California.
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