Sunday, November 11, 2007

Ground Breaking News!!!
"If the house is a rockin' don't bother knockin'
If the house is a rockin' don't bother knockin'
If the house is a rockin' don't bother C'mon in"

_Stevie Ray Vaughn

They say that the third time is a charm, and with that we are pleased to announce that we have purchased a spacious duplex that we are renovating to house our third venture "Chef E's House of Soul"
I know that it has been awhile since our last post, but that wasn't to say that we were done. Melanie and I were busying ourselves cleaning up after the fall out of our last ventures while planning our next move. Our next move it seems, found us. I received an e-mail a short time ago from my book agent, who after several attempts to push my cookbook was frequently met with the response "great book, if he only had a restaurant we could launch it..." So, I could only imagine how the wheels of possibility started to turn in her head - she's an author and that makes for some outrageous synapses firing in the brain. I received an e-mail from her that started "You're going to think I'm crazy!" Too late (I thought to myself) but after reading the rest of the e-mail, it proved that she was crazy - like a fox - a hungry chicken wing loving fox.
"What do you think about the idea of having a home that we could convert into a restaurant?" No sooner than I could scream yes, we received a call saying that she ("she" referring to Marlene) and family (Kelvin, Clifton and Debbie) had closed on it and not so long after that, breaking ground!
One of the secrets to any successful partnership based business is the relationship of the partners involved. Many of you are aware of the highly publicized relationship I had with previous business associates - in short, not good. Many of you expressed great relief of our seperation. I am very excited about this partnership group It's a real family endeavor (which is what Chef E's is all about) It's about time too, because if you fool me once, shame on you. Six to eight more times, shame on me.
It is my promise to make this the most unforgettable experience this city has ever known. If you thought we were the best that the city had seen before, and your presence and repeat business reflected that, well gentlemen buckle down and loosen up a belt knotch and ladies cut your nails so you dont cut your tongue while you're licking your fingers. We're back, bigger badder and better than ever. Stay posted for progress and our target opening. Feel free to send any comments, e-mails and message board responses you'd like. Lets get back in touch with one another. Your favorite Twin Cities Soul Chef, Big E.

30 Comments:

Blogger ~ Cherish ~ said...

This is really great Eric!!! I cant wait to come visit and above all EAT! You rock. If you need anything... painters... tasters :) etc. etc. you know where to find me! -c

1:00 PM, November 12, 2007  
Blogger Unknown said...

Oh, Yeah. It's about time, Big E.
My working rhythm am totally distracted by images of all those wonderful foods now.
Way to go, Chef.

7:26 PM, November 12, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations E! The Twin Cities has missed you. We can't wait for the opening. Good luck cleaning and renovating. Your love will be in every inch of the place.

6:59 AM, November 13, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Eric,
Read your blog...I'm thrilled for you! Congrats!
Emailed with Melanie last week. A night for you to cook at our house is in the works. Can't wait to see all three of you again. We hope that you're doing well.
Warmest regards,
Toni, Shane, Tori, Abbie, and Parker

1:59 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Eric,

Congrats!!!!! OK, enough with the pleasantries, when can I starting eating there!?!?!?!?

Shane Glenn

2:01 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WWWHAZZZZZUP!!!!!!!!!!!!haven't heard from you in
quite a while--how is the daughter?

2:02 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great things come to people who wait...in prayer and supplication. But proceed with a dream, not letting the enemy steal what God meant for Good. Some are called to build great building (homes to give shelter), some are called to heal the sick, some are called to feed the hungry... Welcome to your call, do well with it and you and your household shall surely prosper. Congratulations...

2:03 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chef!!! Such great news!!! It’s about damn time old friend and you know I stand ready to do whatever I can to help you.



Your fan,



Jim



Jim Smart

SMART ASSOCIATES LTD.

119 N. 4th Street

Suite 506

Minneapolis, MN 55401

612-335-8797

2:04 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chef!!! Where the hell ya been???? I used to weigh 200 lbs. I'm down to 85 lbs. now. I'm from the south, I don't want to waste away. I need my Big E's!!!!

2:38 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have lived in Seattle 29 years, but am a Minneapolis native. Other than my son and I the rest of my family lives in the cities. My father, sister, son and I ate at your wonderful restaurant several times before you closed (when my son and I visited Minneapolis). My sister met you years ago when you cooked wonderful lunches for General Mills - she has worked there for 30+ years. Anyway, last night I was talking to my 82 year old father and he mentioned you and wondered if you were planning on opening another restaurant so I looked you up online. Do you know when you will be open for business? I would love to surprise my dad by taking him to lunch there during my next visit.

2:41 PM, November 14, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please tell me that I can still get my fried green tomatoes and my buttermilk pie! The Hennepin Co. office girls a.k.a the fried green tomato crew has missed you E, we're all coming back.

10:28 AM, November 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can I still get my fried green tomatoes and buttermilk pie? Hey E!It's the girls from the Hennepin Co. Offices. Do you know that we got all excited that our office building was moving next to your old place and when we moved there, you had left. We were destroyed. Now you're back and we love it!!!

10:34 AM, November 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We love the fried green tomatoes. I don't know if you remember me because you were always so busy. But you used to come over to our table all the time to shake our hands and say hi. We thought that was so cool. Alot of businesses should do that. Thanks for the great food and great service. The girls of the fried green tomato crew

10:40 AM, November 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are all probably going to be fired, but Margie just emailed us your announcement. Congratulations Big E. We love you!!! The Fried Green Tomato Girls

10:43 AM, November 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chef E "Eric" --

I have missed your food dude. I have introduced myself to you a few times when you had the smaller place -- I am from the south - TN, MS, AR, etc. I loved your fried catfish sandwich!!!!!

People ask me about the best place for southern food, so I tell em Big E's. I am looking forward to your new place.

Murray

1:03 PM, November 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Big E's,

Zanewood Community School in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota is preparing for its annual Cultural Night, an annual celebration which integrates food, games, crafts, and many more forms of media representing various cultures, nations, and ethnicities (February 27th) . It is an important way of uniting our families and building our community. As a richly diverse community, Zanewood relishes the opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor the many heritages that make our educational environment so unique and powerful.

Last year we served food to over 500 parents and students here at Zanewood Elementary for the Culture Night. We are inquiring about the possibility of donating some of your delicious soul food for our annual culture night. We will be serving food from many different countries and would love for Big E's to represent our American Soul Food section. This contribution would guarantee a successful and fulfilling night to many of our families and staff who have never tasted soul food. In doing this your restaurant would receive appreciation in our district-wide newsletter and you would be able to place promotional menus and business cards/ posters to be placed in our building the night of the event.

We will be most appreciative of your contribution. If you could please contact me at your earliest convenience as the date is approaching.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


Respectfully,


Richard Chakolis
Student Learning Advocate
Zanewood/Birch Grove Elementary
763-561-9077

1:26 PM, November 15, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When?!?!
I feel like a drug addict - I neeeeeeedddd my Big E fix!

7:27 AM, November 16, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We're all sitting in cubicle land eating pizza from the cafeteria and daydreaming about Big E's food. Help up please E!!!
Congrats Big E from all of us at the AT&T Building. Any idea how soon, we're salivating.

10:34 AM, November 16, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's lunch time E and do you know what I'm eating. NOTHING. I don't want anything but E's cooking.

10:35 AM, November 16, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi E, Melanie and Jazz. I'll bet she's gotten so big now. She was a big baby then. Good luck with your project E. We have never stopped believing in you.

10:38 AM, November 16, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

About time.

6:44 PM, November 16, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

am so excited I can barley stand myself....!!! Woo hoo!

6:52 PM, November 16, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

E, just talked to you at the Wedge Co-Op 11/24 and am now on your e-mail list. Please keep me up updated on "new" establishment and opening dates, etc. Take care and looking forward to new eatery!!. Art

2:25 PM, November 24, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sweet deal ya got going there Eric! Cool beans and Hot tomatoes for a great success!

7:29 PM, November 25, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can I get a Halleluia please? I'm already making lists of who I'm bringing with me and what excuses I will make to go out for dinner when you open. "Well it is Tuesday after all." "How many first-day-of-the-month-of-March-in-the-year-2008's d'you thing there are going to be?? C'mon let's celebrate!" "You know, today is not my birthday, let's go get some buttermilk pie." Well that's a start anyway. Congrats my friend!

12:09 PM, November 30, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Eric-

Man, this is great news! You won't remember me too well, but my wife Heidi and I used to be regulars at the Market BBQ karaoke, and we are fans of your music AND your food! We were SERIOUSLY bummed as we watched the investor saga unfold. Best of luck on the new place - we'll be watching for you!

Garry Geiken & Heidi Berg

3:16 PM, December 03, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We found about your smaller place on Nicollet just before you closed and moved to the larger place next door. You greeted us and settled the minor squabbles among my daughters over the Buttermilk pie. Myself, I am pining for the Blackened catfish - then Buttermilk pie!

We were thrilled to take my folks from Michigan (on Grandpa's dime!) only to be told by the server that you were no longer there. He assured me that the food was the same.

NOT!

God is good, All the time! So we are pleased that you are pursuing the call. Where He gives a vision, He also gives the provision!

Blessings upon you, Melanie and the family/partners. You have certainly blessed us all!

2:32 PM, January 11, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am horribly excited for you, your family and the Twin Cities!!! Good news - much needed!

Blessings and More...

Donna

10:17 AM, February 21, 2008  
Blogger Peter said...

Thank you, Lord and pass the etoufee! We are so happy to hear this news. We'll certainly attend the grand opening. Say "hi" to Mel and Jazz for us. I'll be sure to call you when we are doing more filming in the cities...nobody...NOBODY caters better than Chef E!

Pete, T and Zach

4:13 AM, February 28, 2008  
Blogger Chazz Vader said...

Eric,

Several years back, my colleagues and I drove from Eagan to your restaurant in Minneapolis (Eat Street) and we were BLOWN AWAY with FLAVOR! You are a magical man, and I can't wait to see you back open. Please please please keep me in the loop, ok?

Not only was your food amazing! Your surroundings were delightful, the paintings, pictures, the music, the ambiance, everything was so right on the mark - it felt warm and inviting. What a gift you have, I am so excited....

PLUS, you were very happy to greet and speak with us, helpful with suggestions and all over a great host.

I am giddy thinking about taking a date to your place for a real fine experience.

your friend,
Chazz..

7:52 AM, March 04, 2008  

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