Ex-Socca Chef Roger Herring Joining Jesse Boyle For Grand Tour

Jesse Boyle, owner of Red Ivy and Quay, has made headway on his latest project, confirming a name and chef. Grand Tour, an international-themed sports restaurant and bar, is finally progressing in the site of the maligned-and-shuttered Paddy O'Splaines on Montrose. Former Socca chef Roger Herring has signed on to spearhead the kitchen.

Herring, who ran Socca for nearly 10 years before the Lakeview restaurant shuttered June 30 and reopened July 18 as Hutch, will attempt to employ an array of international cooking skills at Grand Tour. Boyle feels that Herring's experience cooking cuisine from France, South Africa, Japan, Russia, China, Italy, France and Malaysia make him the right fit. Herring, a Culinary Institute of America grad, cooked for Taste of America catering, in South Africa for the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls with Nelson Mandela, and in Limoges, France.

Although menu specifics are unavailable at this time, the cuisine at Grand Tour will attempt to blend a variety of styles under one roof. According to a Grand Tour representative, the name "is derived from the educational rite of passage beginning in the mid-1600s, which included the exploration of art, music and other aspects of international culture. The intent with Grand Tour is to provide Chicagoans the opportunity to experience such international fascinations through cuisine, beverage offerings, music, sports and ultimately, the experience in itself."

The atmosphere will revolve around international sports—most notably soccer and rugby—which Boyle feels is a concept that Chicago lacks. "The neighborhood seems real receptive to international cuisine," Boyle says. Boyle will also offer live music and upscale decor in the 7000 square-foot space.

Said neighborhood should be much more receptive to Grand Tour than Paddy O'Splaines, which became "a magnet for graffiti, garbage and vagrants" after shuttering in 2011, Patch reported. The families, professionals, and generations of European descendants in Lincoln Square should be happier with the next concept in the space.

· New Owners Take Over Problematic Paddy O'Splaines Site [Patch]
· All Roger Herring Coverage [-ECHI-]