Franklin Becker Appointed New Executive Chef Of Brasserie

Beloved NYC landmark restaurant enthusiastically welcomes well-known chef November 21


On November 21, Brasserie, a favorite New York dining haute spot since 1959 that today combines ultramodern design from award-winning architects Diller + Scofidio with brasserie-style French cuisine, will now welcome a new executive chef to its helm: Franklin Becker.



Former executive chef of popular Capitale, Local, and Trinity (at the Tribeca Grand) restaurants in New York City and private chef for Revlon magnate Ronald Perelman, Becker most recently served as the executive chef for Philadelphia uber restaurateur, Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurant Organization. Along with his executive chef duties at Philly's Washington Square, Becker was also asked by Starr to oversee his Atlantic City operations such as Buddakhan, Continental and Beach Bar.



A seasoned chef, Becker has a stellar reputation and numerous accolades. While at Capitale, Esquire's John Mariani named it a Best New Restaurant 2003. After Becker moved from Capitale to Tribeca Grand, Mariani wrote in his online newsletter: "When I praised Capitale as a best new restaurant, it was on the basis of the food prepared by chef Franklin Becker, who had a very fine touch and subtle ideas that seemed paragons of 21st century American taste and New York sophistication." Throughout his career, Becker has received glowing reviews from such high-profile writers as Gael Greene of New York magazine, as well as William Grimes of The New York Times, who wrote that Becker has "a talent for delivering big, punchy flavors."



Now Becker will bring his culinary style to Brasserie, part of the Restaurant Associates' empire, located at 100 East 53rd Street; 212-751-4840. "I have always wanted to work for Restaurant Associates, which is a great restaurant company with a great team of chefs who truly care about serving great food." As the new executive chef, Becker will continue to dish up Brasserie's current menu through the 2005 holiday season and then in the New Year add his own series of signature dishes.



The famous Brasserie is part of Restaurant Associates (RA), one of America's leading restaurant groups with legendary restaurants and premier catering at sporting venues and events in New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles and beyond. In Manhattan, the company's portfolio includes the world-famous Ice Rink, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafi in Rockefeller Center; Cafi Centro, Naples 45 and Tropica in The MetLife Building; Brasserie 8 =; Brasserie; and Nick + Stef's Steakhouse in Madison Square Garden. For more information, visit www.rapatina.com.

###