I've been hearing some fabulously juicy rumors about why chef Michael Blum is no longer at the helm of his eponymous Kitchen in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort. Hot on the heels of the New Times Broward/Palm Beach expose about his erstwhile Hollywood restaurant of the same name, detailing his bankruptcy, loans and lawsuits against him, his departure has led diners to believe it was backlash from the article. (This despite Robert Cornfeld, whose family owns the Newport, going on record in the piece by saying "he doesn't worry about Michael Blum either. 'He's hard-working, honest, talented, personable, trustworthy. I'm surprised' — sigh — 'that certain people feel they're not going to get a fair deal from him.'")
Others assume bad reviews caused an ousting of the "Cure for Boring Food" chef who likes his presentations with smoke and mirrors, if not downright set on fire. To be fair, I've had many meals at Michael Blum's places over the years, and have given him some critical press myself. But I did think he was hitting his stride, style-wise, at the Newport. (For a good discussion, see what my fellow foodies had to say about him on Chowhound--though keep in mind not all of them had actually dined there.)
I've also been told a really colorful, convoluted tale involving the Russian mafia.
The truth, according to the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort rep, isn't ready for public consumption yet, barring details that have to be worked out about a new menu, name change to the restaurant, etc. But when the press release is issued next week, we'll see the reason for the beheading of Michael's Kitchen is a lot more mundane than everyone suspects.
Bummer, I know. The Russkies make for a much better story.
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3 comments:
Good info- Thanks.
I used to work for the Defunct locale in Hollywood I can say first hand he is egotistical and a poor excuse for a boss, many employees walked out during shifts due to his numerous personal outbursts. I read the article in the Broward - North Palm Beach paper and it does not surprise me after hurricane Wilma he was capture on a local news station claiming he did not think that the restaurant would reopen. I guess now he was just probably acting in order to get sympathy from his investors. He would even say it himself during shift meetings --I am a professional ass kisser-- now the truth is coming out as to why.
I guess after the demise of his restaurants, the city of Hollywood suing him and unfortunately a divorce this is what has become of Chef Michael.http://xtremekitchen.com/Home_Page.html
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