Chef Shuffle
More major restaurant shuffles as TRACE chef departs to lead new downtown dining concept
Chef Lawrence Kocurek is ditching the hotel kitchen for a new "front-row dining" concept headed to Congress Avenue.
CultureMap has confirmed that Kocurek, most recently the chef de cuisine at the W Hotel's TRACE, will take on the executive chef role at Counter 3 . FIVE . VII.
He joins CEO and founder Eric Earthman, who also comes from a hotel background. Most recently, Earthman was the executive chef of the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin.
The concept will be quite a departure from the strictures of hotel fine-dining. Last month Earthman told CultureMap that the restaurant, which will be located below Swift's Attic, will have 26 seats centered around a chef's counter. Hence, Chef Kocurek will play an integral role in the dining experience.
A contemporary, seasonal menu is to be expected, and, per the restaurant's name, diners will choose between three, five and seven courses. Restaurant representatives say Counter 3 . FIVE . VII will open this winter.
