Scottsdale's Roaring Fork Loses Chef of 10 Years, Picks Up 5th & Wine Exec Chef to Helm the Kitchen

After celebrating 10 years with Roaring Fork this January, chef Brian Hulihee has left his culinary home of American Western fare in Scottsdale. See also: - Atlas Bistro in Scottsdale Announces New Executive Chef - Chef Brian Hulihee Celebrates His 10th Anniversary with Roaring Fork Taking over the spot Hulihee...

By Laura Hahnefeld

December 21, 2012

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After celebrating 10 years with Roaring Fork this January, chef Brian Hulihee has left his culinary home of American Western fare in Scottsdale.

Taking over the spot Hulihee occupied for a decade is Michael Bouwens, who has been named the restaurant's new executive chef.

Bouwens comes from 5th & Wine, the wine bar in Old Town, where he held the title of executive chef. Bouwens' résumé also includes stints at Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Morton's The Steakhouse (both in North Scottsdale) and Desert Greens Café in Tempe.

Says Bouwens on what his first order of business will be at Roaring Fork, "I plan to bring a new focus to the restaurant by perfecting simplicity -- which is the essence to great food."

Elliott DiBattista, a manager at Roaring Fork, tells me Hulihee resigned two months ago. DiBattista goes on to say that while Hulihee has a couple of projects in the works, nothing is concrete and that he wanted to take some time to spend with his family.

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