Former Telegraph Chef Johnny Anderes to Run The Kitchen's Kitchen

When The Kitchen opens this fall, expect to see a noteworthy local chef spearheading the food program. The team behind the Colorado-based philanthropic "community through food" restaurant has hooked former Telegraph and Reno chef Johnny Anderes as head chef for its first location outside the Rockies.

While The Kitchen already has its general concept in place, focusing on simple and seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms, Anderes says he'll put his personal imprint on the food program at the forthcoming Clark Street bistro. "I'll be doing what I've been doing for quite some time," he says. "Using regional ingredients and European techniques that are Mediterranean-based." He says it's too early to talk about specific dishes.

The Kitchen Community's environmentally-friendly philosophy, which includes the building of more than 100 "learning gardens" at CPS schools, was a main draw for the Food & Wine best new chef finalist, who originally planned on taking the summer off.

"I'll have an opportunity to really make an impact on agriculture here and the whole food system at large," Anderes says. He'll source most ingredients from Midwestern farms and says he's "looking forward to introducing people to some new (farms)."

He also says that the plan is to open The Kitchen in mid-to-late September, bringing a farm-to-table option to River North. The space, in the Reid Murdoch building just across the Clark Street bridge from the Loop, will house a wine room, a raw bar, and an open kitchen.
· Telegraph Closing to Reconcept; Johnny Anderes Leaving [-ECHI-]
· Colorado-Based The Kitchen Coming to River North [-ECHI-]
· All Johnny Anderes Coverage [-ECHI-]
· The Kitchen [Official Site]