W Hotel to Open With Trace from Chef Nadine Thomas

While details are minimal, we have word on the restaurant that will be opening in the new W Hotel. It will be called Trace, and it opens the same day as the hotel: December 9. Which is really soon! The kitchen will be run by executive chef Nadine Thomas, who has come to Austin via the Jamieson Grille at the Westin Alexandria in Virginia. (Westin Hotels are owned by the same parent company as the W.) Chef de Cuisine will be Paul Hargrove, and they have a staff forager lined up in Valerie Broussard. The concept centers around local growers and artisanal producers, and the food will fit into four categories: foraged, farmed, hunted and crafted.

Also, for once and for all: Tyson Cole's Canteen (or any other Cole restaurant in the W, for that matter) is definitely not happening.

Update: We double checked with Trace's PR reps after some of you commented, and the above information is correct with the following addendum: "It just so happens that Nadine's role is more managerial and Paul's is directly focused on the food and menu. He will be working directly with Valerie on what she sources and how it will inform the the menu." So there you go.

Got any news on Trace? We'd love to hear from you.

· W Austin [Official Site]
· All Trace Coverage on Eater Austin [-EATX-]

The W Hotel. [Photo: W Hotel / Facebook]