Chef and managing partner of JOËL Restaurant Cyrille Holota speaks out about Chef Joël Antunes departing the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel. His publicist released the following press release today:
Over the last two days numerous media outlets have reported that Chef Joël Antunes has stepped down as Executive Chef at New York’s lauded Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room, leaving many to wonder if he will return to his namesake restaurant in Atlanta. Holota confirms that Antunes will not be returing to JOËL Restaurant and is not affiliated with the restaurant any longer.
Antunes announced his move to the Oak Room on February 26, 2008 and named longtime friend and Chef de Cuisine, Holota, Executive Chef of JOËL. The restaurant’s ownership was so pleased with Holota’s impressive performance that he was named Managing Patner in the following months. Antunes departure from the Oak Room has no relevance to the happenings of JOËL Restaurant in Atlanta.
“Joël was and always will be a magnificant chef and friend. My staff and I wish him the best of luck in whatever he does in the future. I am very pleased with the new direction that JOËL has been going and I believe that we have added menu items that will please guests,” says Holota.
JOËL Restaurant remains a star on the Atlanta dining scene, new menu items combined with the culinary excellence of Holota make the restaurant one of Atlanta’s finest.
About JOËL Restaurant
Since 2001, national accolades for JOËL Restaurant include “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire Magazine and one of “America’s Best Restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine. Regional awards include being named one of Atlanta Magazine’s top 100 restaurants and named as one of “Atlanta’s Top 25 Chefs” by The Sunday Paper. In October 2008 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution awarded JOËL Restaurant the highest honor in the city – their coveted five-star rating. JOËL Restaurant is located at 3290 Northside Parkway in the Piazza at Paces just .5 miles off the West Paces Ferry exit of Highway 75. Complimentary valet is available during dinner service; otherwise, ample self-parking is available in the adjacent office building. JOËL serves lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For information or reservations call 404.233.3500 or visit www.joelrestaurant.com.
