Image courtesy Mac M. via Yelp
Sel Gris co-owner Joan Dumas confirmed rumors of fire-battered restaurant's death (at least in its SE Hawthorne space) yesterday evening, sending an e-mail confirmation to friends that chef Daniel Mondok is, indeed, moving on:
"Close to three seasons have passed, weeks have turned into months and with mortgages to pay and families to feed, it became evident that Chef Mondok and the entire staff had to move on. Please know we tried very hard to defy the odds against us, but obstacles kept mounting, and we soon realized it was improbable that we could put it all back together the way it was. Hard as it is to let go, we had to make the decision to accept sel gris as a fond memory."
And as previous rumors suggested, the news of Mondok's departure comes with the announcement that former Mondok sous chef (and current Foster Burger cohort) Trent Pierce will open a seafood restaurant named FIN (as in the fish part, or the French word for "end"?) in the former Sel Gris space.
Dear Friends of Sel Gris,Nearly seven months ago, sel gris was affected by fire and smoke damage.
Although the fire originated in our neighbor’s space; our meltdown became significantly more difficult to overcome due to the prolonged repairs of our shared ceiling and adjoining walls.Of course, the most important aspect of this incident is that no one was physically hurt, and for that, we are grateful. The real downside of this unwelcome event was watching our impressive and talented staff become instantly unemployed - we all were in a bit of shock - one day we were in business, the next day we were closed.
Close to three seasons have passed, weeks have turned into months and with mortgages to pay and families to feed, it became evident that Chef Mondok and the entire staff had to move on. Please know we tried very hard to defy the odds against us, but obstacles kept mounting, and we soon realized it was improbable that we could put it all back together the way it was. Hard as it is to let go, we had to make the decision to accept sel gris as a fond memory.
Last fall, my former partner and still good friend, Chef Daniel Mondok, joined forces with the restaurant group, ChefsTable. He co-partnered to open the successful Foster Burger in December, 09 and he continues to entertain a number of options.
If we are lucky he and his new team of partners will find the right location to launch a new fine dining restaurant so we will not have to miss his cooking talent too much longer.It is said that with every end there is a new beginning, so I am excited to introduce you to FIN, a new seafood restaurant which is in the works for a summer opening in the former sel gris space. Chef Trent Pierce and I think this new concept will suit the neighborhood, the new economy, and hopefully bring a fresh and dynamic eatery to the Portland community – stay tuned!
On behalf of Daniel, and the entire sel gris staff you came to know, we truly thank you for all your thoughtful and encouraging emails during our closure.
Should you have gift certificates you want to redeem, please contact me via email at joan@selgrisrestaurant.com and I will work with you individually to see that you are reimbursed.
With kind regards,
Joan Dumas
Daniel Mondok
· Sel Gris [Official site]
· All Previous Sel Gris Coverage [Eater PDX]
