The only thing better for Valentines Day than a story about new love is a story about a reunion. This reunion is only a week old but lucky Central New York--we all get to benefit. If you've been looking for Brian Shore--the chef-owner of Kettle Lakes in Tully, you need look no further. He's come back to the Arad Evans Inn in Fayetteville.
According to Arad Evans Inn owner, Jason Thomas, this is a happy ending for all concerned. Brian Shore was the chef at Arad Evans for three years when he decided to venture out on his own. He opened Kettle Lakes 6 1/2 years ago and was known for his serious commitment to fine dining sourcing from local and sustainable purveyors. As anyone who has been to Kettle Lakes knows, unless you live in Tully or Preble, it was a bit of a hike to get to. But oh so worth it.
The Central New York restaurant scene isn't quite like San Francisco or New York City so you won't find any drama about chef-stealing here. While the food at Kettle Lakes was great it did require an investment that many diners didn't have for the weeknight dinner service. Shore was already looking at his options when the conversation with Arad Evans began to heat up. For the time being Shore will carry the title of head chef but the possibility for co-ownership may lie ahead.
With Brian Shore on board, Thomas believes that Arad Evans is poised to become the best restaurant in Central New York. With their location and wine collection and reputation for great service they certainly have that potential. Plus, Shore will bring all of his local purveyors to the table making it just that much easier for those in the Syracuse area to eat out and eat local.
By Thomas' own admission the Arad Evans Inn website needs some work. But if you want to get a sense of what's to come check out the Kettle Lakes website while it is still up. Better still, check out the NEW Arad Evans Inn.
Photo courtesy of Kettle Lakes website.
its just a shame they cut down all the trees behind Arad Evans and built those townhouse monstrosities.
What can you do.
Posted by: Natalie | February 14, 2006 at 06:18 PM
I was very taken with the food at Kettle Lakes, but yeah, it was a haul. Funny thing is, I'd be more likely to drive the 50-60 minutes to Kettle Lakes than the 20 to Arad Evans. Why? Kettle Lakes was about the food. Arad Evans is about pretension.
Posted by: David | February 21, 2006 at 07:02 PM
Natalie, I didn't know about the trees--was that fairly recent?
David, I think Brian Shore's return to Arad Evans will try to change that--I would hope so, anyway. I've only been here just over a year and a half, but even before I got here, I knew of Brian Shore's rep. I couldn't say the same about Arad Evans. I guess we'll see how things change.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 22, 2006 at 09:59 AM