Yes. ANOTHER blog about the state of our financial nation, ugh! But this time, it is about a good thing that has happened… At least for us foodies! Big salaried Executive Chefs were laid off in droves due to the economic downturn and rather than return to the lines, many opened their own restaurant.  Where we can now benefit from a 5-star Chef (no line cooks preparing the food here) personally cooking our food and get that outstanding cuisine for a song.

For example, Chef Ivan Flowers. A 5 star Chef that was at the helm of L’Auberge in Sedona & Different Pointe Of View in Scottsdale. Well, when he was downsized, he opened a small bistro in Sedona-Fournos. It is all of nine tables with a tiny kitchen. But what Chef Ivan Flowers creates on those six burners and one stove is swoon worthy. Delicate Ahi dishes on corn fritters, fresh mozzarella, delicious Italian specialties and all at a fraction of the price you would have paid for his cuisine at the large venues. Plus you get to meet the Chef. Every night he is on the floor, chatting with diners and checking on their satisfaction. In fact, Fournos Restaurant was just named one of the top 25 in Arizona by AZ Highways Magazine, so I am not the only one discovering this trend! So, let’s rejoice and enjoy this time. Because eventually the economy will come back, and the Chefs will return to the large kitchens with full staffs, and we will be left with the memory of eating 5 star cuisine in 9 table joints!