Fork+Flask welcomes local legend to Industry Night Feb. 20
President John F. Kennedy said it best: "We celebrate the past to awaken the future." At Fork+Flask's weekly Tuesday Industry Night Feb. 20, it's a full-on celebration saluting the culinary talents of chef Jonathan Spivak, a legendary figure in Sussex County's restaurant scene with over 25 years of experience.
"Our popular Industry Nights typically feature guest chefs and bartenders representing some of the best talent in our local community," says Fork+Flask General Manager and Chef Sean Corea. "And Jonathan definitely fits the bill!"
His resumé includes creating some of the most renowned local restaurants dating back to 1993 when he opened his acclaimed Sedona in Bethany Beach. The intimate 70-seat restaurant quickly evolved into a destination eatery on the Delaware Coast. In 1996 he and chef Jeff Thiemann introduced Fusion in Rehoboth Beach– creative Asian/Caribbean fare to fulfill a growing demand for more creative cooking. His next venture, Salt Air, continued to please Rehoboth's evolving taste for innovative menus.
In 2011, serious health issues made it necessary for Spivak to sell his business. But today, in excellent health, he is an in-demand private chef, and has created Home on the Range, his own company that utilizes his diverse background showcasing extraordinary culinary skills both in and out of the kitchen. He also has prepared gourmet foods for local food stores and supermarkets.
"We're blessed to have such a strong chef history in this region," says Corea. He adds that having Jonathan participate in Industry Night is an important flash from the past that has shaped today's local hospitality industry. Not to mention the appealing menu they have planned for the festive event: Tuna Poke, Black Bean Soup, Bolognese with house-made pasta, strip steak and Peach Crisp for dessert.
"Hosting Jonathan underscores what Fork+Flask Industry Night is all about," says Josh Grapski, managing partner for La Vida Hospitality Group, which manages multiple hospitality venues throughout Sussex County. Our goal is to create a sense of community within our beloved restaurant industry, particularly its unique talent pool." He adds that bringing local chefs and bartenders together for collaboration is always an added bonus for the guests. "They're pros. They're creative. They're colorful. And it's a lot of fun!"
During the past 30 years, Spivak has also become an accomplished, professional abstract artist. He maintains a studio in his home and has sold his work to private collectors throughout the United States. His works have recently appeared at the Art League of Ocean City, Md., and Gallery 50 in Rehoboth Beach. His painting "Cityscape" was recently awarded third place in the Art League of Ocean City juried holiday art show.
Fork+Flask at Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway Route 1 South, Rehoboth Beach; to make reservations call 302-226-2037.
Menu available at www.forkandflask.com.
