Chef Jake Martin has left The Fireside on NW 23rd. His last day was January 31. Moving into his place is Jason Blair, a former chef de cuisine at The Woodsman Tavern who also helped open Ava Gene's and Roman Candle, and was the sous chef at Nostrana and ClarkLewis. Fireside co-owner Sue Erickson says, "We won't be drastically changing the menu, but Jason's dishes will start showing up slowly."
Martin, who previously helmed kitchens at Carlyle, Fenouil, and Genoa (all are now closed), says he doesn't have specific plans yet for his next move. "There are a few irons in a few fires. Nothing I can really talk about," he says. Instead, he's focusing on his Daphne popups, the next of which is planned for SE Wine Collective on Tuesday Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.
With Daphne, Martin and his co-conspirator/wine director Christopher Sky (St. Jack) aim to produce modernist meals in casual settings. The menu for the Feb. 24 six-course dinner will feature wines from the Collective paired with dishes like pickled mackerel with apple, cucumber and miso; scallops with cauliflower, vanilla, and blood orange; and New York strip loin with radish, brassicas, and black garlic. Cost is $80. Contact SE Wine Collective for reservations.