Philadelphia’s Starr Catering Group (SCG) recently announced that Ed Crochet has been named Executive Chef at Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. Chef Crochet will also oversee all of Grounds For Sculpture’s food services in his new role.
A graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine, Chef Crochet worked in the kitchens of Tom Colicchio’s Colicchio & Sons and Craft before joining the Starr team at Caffe Storico. He brings his vast culinary experience to Rat’s, a French-focused restaurant ramous for its unique setting within the 42-acre sculpture park. Rat’s was conceptually designed to be reminiscent of Claude Monet’s Giverny by sculptor Seward Johnson. It is named after the gregarious character “Ratty,” from Kenneth Grahame’s famed children’s story, The Wind in the Willows. The restaurant patio, noted for its sweeping views and al fresco dining, overlooks a lily pond framed by weeping willows and the “Monet Bridge.”
Chef Crochet’s strong kitchen management skills and leadership have been perfected at renowned New York City cultural landmarks, including Carnegie Hall and Citadel. Today, he looks to Italy for cooking inspiration. He travels there frequently to inspire his use of hyper-seasonal ingredients and simple executions of his vegetable-forward approach to cooking.
Rat’s is Grounds For Sculpture’s fine dining destination, offering a relaxing escape with breathtaking views. It is Zagat-rated for Top Décor and was voted Philadelphia magazine’s “Most Romantic Restaurant.” Handcrafted cocktails and extraordinary wines will be paired with Chef Crochet’s seasonal menu that will continue to emphasize local and sustainable foods.
The restaurant is open Tuesday – Sunday and offers lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus in addition to its popular happy hour, which takes place Tuesday – Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner reservations are strongly encouraged and may be made through OpenTable or by calling (609) 584-7800. For more information, please consult www.ratsrestaurant.com.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
{ 0 comments… add one now }