Jack Yoss, the much-heralded chef of Ten01 restaurant is leaving Portland in March. Jack will be following a lifelong dream, spending most of his time traveling in Europe and Asia. He will be starting a blog chronicling his travels, at YossIsLost.com
I think this is a huge blow to the Portland restaurant scene. Over the last year, Ten 01 has consistently been turning out some of the best food in Portland. Get there soon before he goes!
Oh crap. That’s REALLY too bad. We’re big fans of Ten 01 and what Jack has been able to accomplish there. Definitely need to get over there soon. Nuts nuts nuts.
That’s a shame for Ten01, although I think that given the current downturn, and assuming he can afford a lengthy hiatus, this is an ideal time for extended travel in Europe. I envy him. Could there be a better opportunity for a chef than to travel at leisure through Europe and Asia?
although given the chance, who among us wouldn’t leave on a “world tour”? especially one that’s sure to include much food and drink! all I can say is bon voyage, JY!!
Bon voyage Jack Yoss…but what a loss for Portland. I agree, ten-01 has been a consistently great place since he started there….before, eh, not so much. ;o)
That’s too bad, but great for him. Have fun Jack – then come back to Portland when your done. Oh, and leave those spicy Thai ribs on the menu will ya?
Too bad for the restaurant. Granted the first quarter is always a slow one….but Jack did great things to “stabilize” the ship. I noticed that in Craigslist, there is a listing for an Executive Chef. So is this a tempoary position? Hence the “consultant” position? If yes, than Ten-01 wont really get GREAT resumes.
On the plus side, if and when Jack comes back, he should be really inspired, and the food will be even better. Think about Higgins, the food is best after one of Gregg’s trips. He always get rejuvinated.
Ten 01 lost a lot of momentum with a long in planned closure in December. Granted the snow did’nt help anyone in the biz. But now this….they gotta hire a name and QUICK!
BTW, love that lamb burger on the menu currrently!
It’s a loss for sure, but – assuming Jack doesn’t come back, which I certainly hope he does – I for one am not too worried. They had the good sense to hire him in the first place, which tells me that if need be, they’ll manage to rustle up some suitable talent to fill his shoes. And they’ve still got Jeff doing pastry, right? That guy’s got game…
I’ll miss Jack. He’s a swell guy, and he’s turned me on to many strange Asian condiments. He makes the best soups I’ve ever tried in my life, and his pork ribs could be sold in little plastic baggies in Old Town. That said, I wish him the best of luck, and I know Ten 01 will still be great. Between Kelly and Erica, the beverage program couldn’t possibly be more top-notch, and I’m sure many of Jack’s specialties will stick around for awhile. I just hope he makes it back to Portland.
I agree with Tommy. Ten01 has really turned itself into a great spot. Jack’s contribution will be missed, but I think the restaurant will prove itself again by hiring another great chef. And their sommelier is still the talented Erica Landon, who manages a wonderful, very accessible list full of lovely things. I wish I could go there more often.