Chef de Cuisine Will Morris Out at Brasserie Beck

Tipsters report and restaurant PR confirms that chef de cuisine Will Morris has left his post as chef de cuisine at Brasserie Beck, where he has been installed since the fall. Morris was a part of the whole transition Robert Wiedmaier's restaurant empire embarked upon when longtime Blue Duck Tavern chef Brian McBride joined the team to help out with Wiedmaier's ambitious expansion plans — to Atlantic City, Bethesda and eventually more. Wiedmaier's rep provided the following statement:

"Will wished to pursue a culinary direction focused on what he feels reflects his style of cooking. Brasserie Beck is very much about showcasing elevated brasserie fare taking its influences from Belgium which stems from Robert's heritage. With Brian Mc Bride coming on board as the corporate chef, he had Brasserie Beck as his first focus to strengthen that direction. So I think all in all it is just a preference on Will's part to find his niche.

The restaurant hasn't hired a replacement for Morris, but the rep notes that the "original team is holding it very much on its own with Robert and Brian overseeing, alternating their time, to maintain a solid work force behind the line." So there you have it. As always, more information when available.

· Brasserie Beck [Official Site]
· All Previous Will Morris Coverage [-EDC-]

[Photo: Nevin Martell/Eater.com]