James Beard Award-winning chef guides new restaurant now open in Raleigh
A new hotel restaurant in the Triangle will take its cues from a James Beard Award-winning chef.
Il Falò, a new Italian restaurant has opened in the ground floor of The Westin Hotel in Brier Creek, developed with the help of Bradford Thompson, a 2006 winner of the prestigious culinary award. Thompson was named Best Chef: Southwest 17 years ago for his now-closed Scottsdale, Arizona, restaurant Mary Elaine’s.
For Il Falò, Thompson and his consulting company, Bellyful Hospitality, were hired to help develop the restaurant’s menu and concept.
The 5,000-square-foot restaurant serves an upscale and traditional Italian menu, with a giant wood-burning oven setting the tone. In Italian “Il Falò” means “bonfire” and flames and smoke feature prominently on the menu, from charred and smoky vegetables to blister-crusted pizzas. Also look for cured Italian ham and salami, braised meatballs, steaks, roasted chicken and fresh pastas.
“We’re excited to bring the luxury wellness experience to the Triangle that only Westin offers,” said Sheri Erhart, co-owner and executive vice president for CMC Hotels. “We’re pleased to partner with award-winning chef Bradford Thompson who has created a menu for Il Falò that combines thoughtfully-sourced local ingredients and wood fire for a contemporary approach to Italian cuisine.”
The Westin is owned by 37-year-old Cary-based CMC Hotels, which has 11 hotels across the state.
Il Falò will serve breakfast and dinner seven days a week and expects to add lunch and weekend brunch service.
This story was originally published May 10, 2023 at 8:49 AM.
