March 08--On the tails of Alinea's receiving another James Beard semifinalist nomination, chef Grant Achatz has landed on the cover of Wine Spectator's March issue. The smiling Achatz, holding an edible balloon (a course at Alinea), appears alongside the cover line "Star Chef: The Brilliant Cooking of Grant Achatz."
In the 10-page feature, WS dives into Achatz's rise as one of the country's most influential chefs, the genesis of his and business partner Nick Kokonas' string of successful restaurants (Next, Aviary, the forthcoming Roister) and what's in store for Alinea's next iteration -- the 10-year-old restaurant is currently closed for renovations.
The piece also spends time on Achatz's wine knowledge; Tock, the online restaurant ticketing system created by Achatz and Kokonas; and Achatz's battle with cancer.
For the full story, pick up the issue, on newsstands now.
jbhernandez@tribpub.com
Twitter @joeybear85
