Ryan Skeen’s back! Again! A sneak peek at his grape leaf–wrapped salmon.
Sure, the talented-but-drama-inducing chef Ryan Skeen is averaging about one-and-a-half restaurants per year, but maybe this one will stick! The terrific toque, who nabbed our Chef of the Year award in 2009, has logged stints at Resto, Irving Mill, Allen & Delancey, Five & Diamond, and Fishtag. Now, he's taking charge of the kitchen at Pera Soho, the soon-to-open downtown outpost of the popular Turkish spot in Midtown that's shooting to debut on Dec. 9 (Con Ed permitting).
Expect a more laid-back feel here than the original Pera Mediterranean Brasserie, which is right by Grand Central and draws a suit-y crowd. The new spot will boast big windows, garden seating, glass partitions that can be arranged to create up to five private dining rooms, and another private dining space on the roof.
Skeen, who will also serve as executive chef for all of Pera's operations (including its popular taco truck), will stay true to Pera's Turkish roots at the new location, keeping some favorites from the Midtown menu and adding many of his own creations, like this grape leaf–wrapped salmon that he shares with us.
By Nina Lalli; photos by Cynthia Chung
