Chef John Griffiths seems to be making area food news on a regular basis. In April, he left Truffles restaurant to pursue his plans to open his own restaurant. Last week, he flew to New York, giving food-o-philes of the James Beard Foundation a taste of the type of modern Italian fare that he planned to offer at his to-be-named restaurant. Now, word comes that Griffiths has been hired as the campus executive chef for Washington University Dining Services.
A press release issued today by Bon Appétit Management Co., which operates Wash. U.’s dining program, noted that Griffith’s “approach to working directly with local farmers from the region” and his “commitment to food service sustainability” align with the culinary philosophy of the university’s dining services, recently named the top in the nation for food among universities by The Daily Meal.
“We’re delighted to have John join our team. His culinary prowess, fine dining experience and signature style showcasing the best of Midwestern ingredients is [sic] a wonderful match for us,” stated Nadeem Siddiqui, district manager for Bon Appétit Management Co. “John has long shared our philosophy of preparing fresh, made-from-scratch foods with a strong commitment to social responsibility.”
When The Scoop spoke with Griffiths, he declined to discuss his previously announced plans to open a restaurant.
This article appears in July 2012.