Morales Still on the Market
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
(Image: National Honey Board)
“You have to be very careful with this thing called Facebook,” ex-Rustico chef Frank Morales chuckled when I called to discuss the latest internet chatter about a suspected aligning with fellow toque Morou Ouattara.
His abrupt exit from the Neighborhood Restaurant Group last week has led to waves of speculation about what the award-winning, brew-embracing Morales might do next.
And while he considers Ouattara a dear friend–”We do get together and have a chat every now and then,” he said of their long-standing relationship–Morales waved off online blather of hitching his wagon to the poised-for-launch Kora.
“There is no future for me at Kora,” he stated. “Except, maybe for dining there.”
Morales suspects the unfounded Kora connection was likely sparked by a low-key invite Ouattara naively broadcast on Morales’ Facebook wall.
“He wrote something like, ‘Hey, let’s get together and talk tomorrow,’” Morales said of the grossly over-analyzed exchange.
And while he is confident Ouattara will continue doing great things at Kora, Morales remains focused on putting together his own restaurant project.
“I like building something,” the well-seasoned chef suggested.
Morales said he’s shopping around for like-minded investors, stressing that he’s more interested in attracting a simpatico support staff than rushing to pounce on some glamorous address.
Which is not to say that he wouldn’t consider righting an established restaurant “with unfocused views” or perhaps signing onto a fledgling restaurant group “with a bigger role for me.”
But any potential hospitality suitors should know that his former employers have set the bar pretty high.
“I use Neighborhood Restaurant Group as a model … they are truly, truly a wonderful group,” he said, citing the career-redefining knowledge he acquired during his time with the Alexandria outfit as an invaluable benefit.
“Now I do beer cuisine. And I absolutely adore it,” he shared.
–Warren
Tags: Frank Morales, Gut Check, Kora, Morou Ouattara, Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Northern Virginia Magazine, Rustico, Warren Rojas