Elm Is Named One Of Esquire Magazine's Best New Restaurants In America 2012

We are proud to announce that Chef/Owner Brian Lewis' restaurant, elm (73 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840; 203.920.4994; www.elmrestaurant.com) has been named one of the best new restaurants in America 2012 by Esquire magazine. Now in its 28th year, Esquire's annual list features the best restaurants as selected by its restaurant features writer John Mariani. elm is Lewis' first solo venture, featuring inventive Modern American cuisine, rooted in tradition and inspired by the seasons.

"We are thrilled and so proud for elm to be awarded as one of Esquire's best new restaurants," says Lewis. "It is quite the honor."

This is Lewis' second time receiving this award, as his cooking garnered Esquire's national acclaim in 2009 at The Farmhouse at The Bedford Post, which is owned by Richard Gere. Lewis graduated with honors from The Culinary Institute of America, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University. His early experiences in the kitchens of legendary chefs Jean-Louis Palladin and Marco Pierre White strongly shaped his refined style of cooking.

Since opening in March 2012, elm has become a culinary destination in the charming neighborhood of New Canaan, CT. Lewis' innovative, ever-changing, farm-driven menu embraces local flavors and the seasons - relying on the best locally sourced products from farmers, foragers and artisans, as well as specialty, imported ingredients from afar. Pastry Chef Caryn Stabinsky creates seasonal sweets which are as imaginative as Lewis' dishes and bring wonderful chemistry between pastry and savory. elm's unique beverage program, including its fine selection of handcrafted wines, matches the diversity of Lewis' menu.

Working with interior designer Pina Manzone, Lewis and his partners designed a beautiful, cosmopolitan setting that defined their dreams. Timeless elegance permeates throughout elm's 80-seat space, which is sophisticated, yet comfortable. Lewis' mission in creating elm was to establish a restaurant that is not only known for its exceptional food and drink, but especially for its warm hospitality. World class food with small town charm.

Lewis will be offering a host of events at elm beginning in the fall, including Cooking Class Wednesdays, Private Cellar- Private Chef and Meet the Farmer Dinners, collaborating with local farmers and artisans to focus on the importance of quality products and seasonality. The hands-on and demonstrative style classes will be taught by Lewis from elm's state-of-the-art kitchen, allowing up to twelve guests to get real restaurant cooking experience and then enjoy their creations at the comfort of elm's Chef's Table and Chef's Tasting Counter.

Lewis and the elm team are enthusiastically embracing the New Canaan community with elm's more casual Sunday Supper, starting on October 28th. Perfect for families, Sunday Supper features a three course $35 prix fixe menu, with items such as rosemary and garlic leg of lamb with riso venere and salsa verde, and spaghetti & meatballs stuffed with taleggio. The Sunday Supper menus will change weekly.

elm is also offering a unique three course 'chef's whim' prix fixe dinner ($45/pp), featuring dishes, such as farm egg ravioli with fried green tomato, pickled shallots and farrotto. This menu option will be a creative expression of the newest ingredients and ideas from Lewis.

For more information about elm, visit www.elmrestaurant.com. Complete coverage of Esquire magazine's best new restaurants can be found at:
www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/best-new-restaurants-2012-full-list?click=pp
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