EXECUTIVE CHEF THOMSEN, AGRICOLA, PRINCETON
Josh Thomsen, a New Jersey native and executive chef/partner of Agricola Eatery, 11 Witherspoon Street, Princeton (609-921-2798) recently attended the twentieth anniversary of The French Laundry in Yountville, CA. He worked with Thomas Keller, owner of this exceptional, world-renowned restaurant, from 1996 to 1998 as a chef de partie/butcher. When asked what he remembered about working for chef Keller, chef Thomsen wrote, that when he worked at the French Laundry, chef Keller always worked a station during service. “He butchered salmon, rabbit and even turned artichokes and was part of every aspect of the kitchen and showed the staff that no job was beneath him.”
Chef Thomsen also wrote: “About 350 guests or better known as teammates of different years, gathered together to celebrate a special place and a special mentor. It was a pleasure to be a guest at The French Laundry 20-year anniversary celebration. Incredible restaurant, incredible food and incredible people. Thomas Keller has truly changed the way we experience and appreciate food. The evening was full of great food, beverage, conversation and celebration of a team of people or caretakers with a vision and of a man that still teaches us everyday.”
Some items served were a whole-roasted pig, slaw, Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, cornbread, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, champagne/caviar station, salmon cornets a signature dish, XX branded prosciutto, truffled, grilled cheese and dessert. Thomsen wrote, “As the evening started to wind down, we were treated to a video roast of sorts put together by his fiancée Laura Cunningham. Chef Keller was teased and toasted by staff as well as celebrity friends like Ryan Seacrest, Daniel Boulud, and Jacques Pépin. Adam Sandler, thanked Keller for all the great food and wine and praised him for 20 years of getting people drunk. As the French Laundry staff hooted and clapped for the inside jokes, we were once again treated to the feeling of being at a close, family gathering. Keller explained that is just what he had hoped for.”
Keller also said, “In the end, you realize success isn’t about fame and fortune, it’s about having beautiful memories. I think that, for me, is the most meaningful thing about this celebration. It’s a celebration about a restaurant that has touched so many people’s lives.”
Chefs Thomas Keller and Josh Thomsen at the twentieth anniversary party for The French Laundry
CHEF/OWNER KEVIN KOHLER, CAFÉ PANACHE, RAMSEY
Congratulations chef Kevin Kohler owner of Cafe Panache, 130 East Main Street, Ramsey, (BYO), who is celebrating 30 years in business. Some of Kohler’s signature dishes include crispy wasabi halibut, pecan-chicken breast with Dijon-mustard sauce or braised short ribs with dark beer and black molasses. Reservations: 201-934-0030.
CHEF KENNETH WEST
Kenneth West, previously from Pig & Prince in Montclair, is the new sous chef at Battello, 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City (201-798-1798).
CHANGES AT THE RYLAND INN, WHITEHOUSE STATION
Craig Polignano is the new executive chef at The Ryland inn, Whitehouse Station. He replaces Anthony Bucco who has taken a job with the Jonathan Waxman Group in NYC. More information here.
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