Just three months ago we ran that three-parter about Jeff Harris, executive chef at Tom Colicchio's Craft at the W in Victory Park. But Craft sends word this afternoon that Harris has departed, leaving in charge Tm Bevins, who, long ago, was best known as executive sous chef at The Mercury. Says the release, which follows in full, Harris "is leaving to pursue his own venture after cooking-up a great reputation during his four-year tenure at the restaurant." The release also promises that "Chef Jeffrey Harris is expected to separately announce further details about his new venture in the coming days."
There are some other front-of-house and behind-the-scenes changes being made at Craft as well. They're contained within the release as well. I've sent Colicchio a text to see if he'd like to discuss the changes at Craft. I'll update should he respond.
CRAFT | DALLAS RINGS IN 2011 WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW CHEF & GM
Same Exemplary Service and Seasonal Menu Selections to be Featured with craft Veteran Tim Bevins Serving as Incoming Chef de Cuisine, with Upcoming Departure of Chef Jeffrey Harris
DALLAS, January 4, 2011 - craft | DALLAS located at W Dallas - Victory is excited to announce that it is ringing in 2011 with a new management team at the helm of the highly acclaimed contemporary American-themed restaurant. James Cobb assumes the role of general manager this week, and Tim Bevins, who becomes Chef de Cuisine starting January 16, will bring their own interpretation, while staying true to Tom Colicchio's craft concept of preparing the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients with simplicity and finesse. Both men are familiar with Dallas' fine dining scene, and are acutely aware of what it takes to remain a standout in this highly competitive restaurant market.
Chef Bevins will lead the kitchen following the mid-month departure of beloved craft | DALLAS Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Harris who is leaving to pursue his own venture after cooking-up a great reputation during his four-year tenure at the restaurant. Similar to Harris, Bevins is well-versed in the craft style of cooking having held various culinary positions at both the Dallas and Atlanta craft locations, most recently serving as Executive Sous Chef at craft | ATLANTA. He also previously worked at the Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, George Restaurant and The Mercury.
The new GM, James Cobb is a Dallas native who has climbed the managerial ranks at some of the area's most noted establishments with previous stints at Terelli's Dallas/Frisco, Steel, Standard and most recently at the Dragonfly. He assures diners that they can expect to receive the same exemplary service and seasonally crafted menu selections they have come to associate with craft | DALLAS over the years.
"While it is certainly sad to bid farewell to the talented Jeff Harris, we wish him the very best in his new endeavor as he turns the kitchen over to Chef Tim Bevins," said Thomas Caramucci, General Manager of W Dallas - Victory. "Patrons are in for a treat when they personally experience Chef Tim Bevins' energy and passion for the craft style of cooking. We couldn't ask for a better fit than James and Tim and are thrilled to welcome them both aboard."
Chef Jeffrey Harris is expected to separately announce further details about his new venture in the coming days.
