Weeks after Cary McDowell said goodbye to Winslow's Home (7213 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-725-7559) to take over at Euclid Hospitality Group, the restaurant has finally named his replacement: Wil Fernandez-Cruz, currently at Ibby's Restaurant (6465 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton; 314-935-3940) on the campus of Washington University.
"Wil brings the leadership, talent and demeanor that will allow us to grow our business and get better at what we do," said Ann Sheehan Lipton, owner of Winslow's Home, in a statement.
Fernandez-Cruz has only been at Ibby's since the end of February. The New York City-trained chef originally came to St. Louis last year to open the Restaurant at the Cheshire, but he abruptly resigned after only two and a half months. He was reportedly disappointed in the lack of local and seasonal ingredients at the Restaurant. Sustainability seems to be very close to Fernandez-Cruz's heart -- he cited that as the reason he took the position at Ibby's when he spoke to Gut Check this past winter.
See also: The Restaurant at the Cheshire: A Tudor Coup?
"Wil's experience is deeply rooted in a market driven menu which will allow us to broaden the integration of seasonal ingredients from our farm as well as other local and regional purveyors," Lipton said. "His leadership couldn't come at a better time as our our new kitchen and private dining expansion are close to completion."
Calls to Lipton at Winslow's Home and Fernandez-Cruz at Ibby's were not immediately returned. We'll update with more information as we get it.
Gut Check is always hungry for tips and feedback. Email the author at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter.
Follow @gutcheckstl
