CheekyChicago

Celebrated chef Rodelio Aglibot has officially moved to New York City to become the Executive Chef of the BLT Restaurant Group.  In case you were worried, he is absolutely, 100% still involved with Sunda.  In fact, he will be in Chicago at least twice a month assuming his position as Consulting Chef for the Asian-inspired, River North hotspot.  If you’re in love with the Food Buddha’s crispy rice pan fried sushi and duck hash salad, have no fear – menu items will not be changed, reinterpreted, added or subtracted without his permission.

Aglibot might also be making a few extra trips to Chicago in the next few months as BLT will be opening a highly-anticipated Chicago location.  The first BLT outpost will be opening mid-October 2010 in the JW Marriott Chicago and will be a restaurant of the Italian-American variety named The Florentine.  However, whom they’ll name Executive Chef is still a mystery.

Rodelio Aglibot answers a few pressing, Cheeky questions…

Cheeky: Are you finally situated full-time in NYC?

Rodelio Aglibot: Not sure anyone can be fully situated in New York! It helps to be familiar and comfortable with New York as I have been coming here for years, I’ve definitely gotten to know the subway system.

Cheeky: As Executive Chef for the BLT Restaurant Group, what is the first project you’re going to tackle?  Can you describe a day-in-the-life of Rodelio Aglibot? What new projects is the BLT Group working on?  What is your responsibility for each of these projects?

RA: One of the exciting things about BLT is the growth and the versatile concepts we are creating. Just recently, we opened BLT Bar & Grill at the soon-to-open W New York – Downtown. Next month we have a casual Italian eatery opening in Washington DC. And, of course, we have our first Chicago restaurant, The Florentine, an upscale Italian-American restaurant opening at the JW Marriott in mid-October.

Here in NYC, I’m learning the BLT culture and restaurants, and of course eating at each place makes for a great day. Each day is definitely different…I like it that way. Each of our new projects has me working with our chefs testing dishes, selecting equipment and plateware, forecasting budgets, writing and reviewing menus. I love being a chef.

Cheeky: As Consulting Chef for Sunda, how often will you be back to Chicago and what do your responsibilities include?  Is it hard seeing somebody else taking over the kitchen and the menu that you put together?

RA: I’ll be in Chicago quite a bit. Sunda is very close to me.  I’m glad I am able to remain attached to the project. Actually, I’m keeping my place there.  Nothing will change on the menu or in the kitchen. That is the staff that I trained and trust. Menu development and quality is my main responsibility. I just created new brunch items last weekend.

Cheeky: It was reported – I believe inaccurately – that you are still doing the ‘Food Buddha’ on TLC.  Isn’t it true that you have a different holding deal with the station?  If so, what is the name/premise of your new show(s)?

RA: If you’re asking if I’m still the “Food Buddha” on TLC… yes. Right now, we’re developing another new original show as the “Food Buddha” but doing some other fun and exciting things. The new concepts haven’t been named but I’m excited to have a home at TLC.

Cheeky: Do you see your location in New York being a challenge for your Chicago projects?

RA: Absolutely not. I love to travel and as a consulting chef for years, I’ve learned to travel well. And come on, I get to live in NYC and Chicago, what could be better than that?

Cheeky: How are you able to balance the BLT job, all of the new BLT projects, a holding deal with TLC and a consulting chef job in Chicago?

RA: As they say…..you only live once!!!  Seriously, there is a great team behind each of the projects and having a business background helps me be organized and resourceful.

Cheeky: What are your top restaurant picks in Chicago?

RA: Why does every food writer ask that?! I’ll tell you where I have been lately and places that I would go back to – Purple Pig, Cibo Matto, Girl and the Goat…had great meals there.  The Food Buddha loves to eat!