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After a twelve year stint in Chicago, Texan pastry chef Amanda Rockman is returning to her home state. Eater Chicago has the details on Rockman's move from Chicago hotspot Nico Osteria to the South Congress Hotel.
Eater Austin spoke with restauranteur and South Congress Hotel partner Jesse Herman, who describes Rockman's hiring as a "coup" for Austin. Her role in the hotel will be similar to executive chef Michael Paley's: she will oversee the pastry program in the hotel's two main restaurants, Central Standard and Cafe No Se, as well as in-room dining and events. Micro restaurant Otoko will be helmed by Paul Qui.
According to Herman, Rockman is a long-ago alum of Fino, and her mix of comfort with classic, simple desserts and sophisticated creations made her a perfect fit for the boutique hotel, opening this summer on South Congress. He says, "It's encouraging, looking at the future of the Austin scene, to know we have access to people operating at the highest levels."
