Anthony Vicente, a Michelin-star chef from France, has been quietly working in the pantry department at Fire Food & Drink (13220 Shaker Sq., 216.921.3473, firefoodanddrink.com) over the past few months. He is biding his time and brushing up on his English until his new restaurant debuts on Lee Road. Set in the former home of the Wine Room (2317 Lee Rd.), Taste will showcase the chef's considerable skills when that restaurant opens next month. The Wine Room's kitchen has been totally revamped. Vicente describes his food as "world cuisine with no restrictions." Building upon a French-Asian foundation, the chef will prepare dishes as varied as Chinese spring rolls, coriander crab, Indian rabbit and red bell pepper cheesecake. The 80-seat restaurant will be divided into sides for the lounge and dining room. Expect a modern space with a cozy atmosphere, says the chef. The owner of Taste is Raj Singh, the man behind Café Tandoor and Atma Center. For those keeping track, the restaurant was originally to be called World Restaurant, then Bliss.
Alan Glazen promises that his new coffeehouse will be unlike anything Clevelanders have seen. Glazen, founder of Glazen Creative ad agency, is partnering with folks at TRG Studios, a photography shop, to launch an East Fourth Street café across from Lola. Judging by the creative talent in that boardroom, it's safe to say that the environment, concept and execution will be anything but bland. Erie Island Coffee Co. is actually an offshoot of the original on Kelleys Island, but Glazen told me that Seattle's famed Espresso Vivace Roasteria is really the driving inspiration. Look for fresh-roasted espresso to hit East Fourth sometime before the holidays.
Congrats to 28-year-old Anthony Hamilton for his recent promotion at Moxie (3355 Richmond Rd., 216.831.5599, moxietherestaurant.com) from sous chef to chef de cuisine. The Culinary Institute of America grad describes his cooking philosophy thusly: "I like to keep things simple and straightforward. We get some of the best products in the country at Moxie and Red and I strongly believe in showcasing them for what they are."
Bar Cento (1948 W. 25th St., 216.344.9944, barcento.com) is celebrating its one-year anniversary on October 9, but it's diners who get the gift. Every table that orders a bottle of wine will receive a complimentary pizza. Get over there tonight, October 1, to enjoy an eight-course, eight-beer dinner for $75.
