BREAKING: Dominique Crenn Leaves Abode
Thursday, October 11, 2007

SANTA MONICA: We just heard that chef Dominique Crenn is leaving Abode and will be replaced by chef de cuisine Cyril Kabaoglu. Crenn took a beating from the LA Times---Leslie Brenner and S. Irene Virbila, who gave the restaurant a half star---but they were the odd ladies out. Abode was a 2007 best new restaurant runner-up in Angeleno's restaurant awards, Jonathan Gold put it on his 99 Essential list, and Esquire called Crenn a best new chef to watch in 2007. On one hand, Crenn has great technique and took risks with some of her dishes, she's a proponent of organic and sustainable cuisine, but also believed in using great ingredients from around the world. With Abode's menu, she was uncompromising, as many great chefs are and should be. On the other, some dishes were a tad fussy and a little too precious. We ran into Crenn at some recent events, and on a personal level, she's just lovely. On a professional level, we admire her gumption. She didn't cower from criticism, and often directly asked people what they thought about her food. If something wasn't right, she wanted nothing more than to make it right. Hopefully it was a fantastic offer that made her move on vs. breaking under the weight of it all. We're told the menu will still focus on seasonal, contemporary cuisine, using organic and sustainable ingredients as much as possible.

The official word from Abode's owners:

Abode Restaurant & Lounge is excited to announce the transition of Cyril Kabaoglu from Chef de Cuisine to Executive Chef of Abode. Dominique Crenn, the original executive chef, is moving forward with her own personal and professional endeavors. We wish her well and express our gratitude for her contribution to Abode. Cyril Kabaoglu has been on board with this project since well before the opening of Abode, bringing critical creative contributions and exceptional skills to our restaurant. We are delighted to have him take over the reigns of Abode Restaurant & Lounge, and are excited about our future direction under his culinary command as we continue to serve the same high quality, innovative cuisine we've become known for at Abode.
No word on where Crenn will be next, but we'll keep you posted.
· A Scathing Review of Abode's...Sustainability? [~ELA~]
· Week in Reviews: Abode [~ELA~]
· Eater's Journal: Abode Restaurant and Lounge [~ELA~]

Posted in Eater Local: Santa Monica, Top




Comments (4 extant)

1.

LA and especially LA Times has no restaurant sense. They can't sell newspapers let alone honestly critique restaurants. Although her article on Crenn was entertaining, Virbila's article was also harsh and selfishly conceived. Someone should remind her that she is supposed to be a journalist. Crenn was a class act trapped in chain-restaurant Santa Monica. Come home to Hollywood and leave the beach to the tourists and Pottery Barners. I look forward to her next act.

By 323-Foodie at October 11, 2007 4:41 PM

2.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, food is a subjective thing somewhat, I thought Crenn's cooking was excellent, and her manner delightful. I hope she moves closer to my home! I'll keep my eyes peeled for her re-appearance.

By Bradley Tuck at October 15, 2007 10:55 AM

3.

I am glad Crenn is gone. She lead this great restaurant in the wrong direction. She was concerned about one thing, herself. She spent too much time on the floor and not enough in the kitchen. I heard she is going back to the hotel or country world.

By richard decooke at October 21, 2007 8:09 PM

4.

thank god for Abode, good riddens to dominique

By rebecca levine at October 21, 2007 8:10 PM





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