It has been announced that chef Jared Bennett has been appointed to replace chef Michael Paley as executive chef at the 21c Museum Hotel's Metropole this fall.
Bennett, former chef de cuisine at Metropole, will succeed Paley, who departs to pursue other opportunities. According to a recent press release, Paley and Bennett will continue to collaborate in the coming months to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for guests and the team.
Bennett, a native of Athens, Ohio, has helped guide the menu at Metropole since day one. (The restaurant's signature open-hearth cooking garnered it recognition in Bon Apetit as one of the top 50 new restaurants last year.) He has contributed dishes to the local and sustainably leaning menu like the popular compressed local melons, chilled corn soup and potato gnocchi. And while he will gradually introduce new menu items, drawing inspiration from historically American techniques and heirloom ingredients, Bennett will also keep signature dishes like the seared octopus, burnt carrot salad and housemade charcuterie.
“I am honored to work alongside such a dynamic team and thrilled to be part of Cincinnati’s vibrant dining community,” Bennett says in the aforementioned release. “I look forward to maintaining our high level of service and utilizing producers from the Ohio River Valley on our ever-evolving menu. Metropole is about letting beautiful food speak for itself and that will not change.”
Sarah Robbins, senior vice president of operations also noted that the restaurant enjoys promoting from within. “The 21c family of restaurants has always been a great incubator for culinary talent, and we are proud to promote Jared Bennett from within to lead the kitchen at Metropole,” she says.
As always, the Metropole is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with late-night dining available at the bar. 609 Walnut Street, Downtown, 513-578-6660, metropoleonwalnut.com.
