A year and a half after opening the doors to Sofia’s Kitchen + Bar (17625 Detroit Ave., 216-635-9222) in Lakewood, owner Andrew Revy is saying goodbye to his opening chef. Andy Strizak, who was instrumental in helping shape the restaurant’s identity, is moving on to the next phase of his culinary career.
“Andy has been part of Sofia’s story since the day we opened our doors,” Revy explains. “His talent and dedication helped make this place what it is, and we wish him nothing but the best in what’s ahead.”
Stepping into the role is Emily Campion, a chef who has worked for Dante Boccuzzi and Jill Vedda, and joined Brandon Chrostowski of Edwins on a humanitarian mission to Ukraine. Most recently, Campion led the kitchen at Birdietown in Lakewood. At Sofia’s, the chef will help guide the restaurant’s next chapter, says Revy.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Emily with us,” said Revy. “She’s a chef of tremendous skill and character, and she’ll carry forward and elevate the cooking our guests have come to expect and love at Sofia’s.”
The chef’s first order of business is to craft a new fall menu that will blend house favorites with inventive new dishes and daily specials. Look for the new menu to roll out in mid-September.
Campion is not only following in the footsteps of Strizak in that kitchen, but also her mentor Vedda, who cooked there for eight years as co-owner of Salt.
“There’s a real through-line here,” adds Revy. “This space has a bit of a tradition of women at the helm and Emily actually trained under Jill, so in a way she’s coming full circle. We’re proud to keep that going.”
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