The Bald Headed Bistro in Cleveland has a new executive chef and partner, Wesley True.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., Mr. True has trained under celebrity chefs Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill and the world-famous David Bouley at Bouley’s, both in New York City. Most recently, he was executive chef at the Optimist, a top restaurant in Atlanta.
After opening his own restaurant in 2007, Mr. True was twice named a James Beard Semi-Finalist for Best Chef in the South, both in 2011 and again in 2012. According to Mr. True, his goal is to use the Bald Headed Bistro and its facilities to win the James Beard Award and be recognized as the top chef in the South.
As a contestant on the Emmy Award-winning reality show, Bravo’s Top Chef, Mr. True showed his chops, winning fans across America with his cooking skills and personality. Mr. True’s work has also been featured in a variety of publications, ranging from Garden & Gun and Southern Living to USA Today, Shape, and Cooking Light.
"We’re very excited to have Wesley True head up the team at the Bald Headed Bistro,” said Will Jones, partner and chief manager. “This will be a great step up from where we were, and if Wesley wins Best Chef in the South, it will put Cleveland on the culinary map.”
Since the restaurant’s opening day on Sept. 7, 2004, the Bistro has been popular for its creative menu, something Mr. True said he will only grow. Home to Cleveland’s only wood-burning rotisserie and wood-burning oven that is used to finish many dishes, the Bistro is known for an elegant menu infusing the flavors and style of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in a charming Southern setting, said officials.
“Like many fine restaurants, the Bistro has guests fly in from around the South to enjoy our unique offerings,” Mr. Jones said. “Thankfully, Cleveland’s new 6,200-foot Jetport can accommodate these guests, and we expect a lot more of them with the addition of Wesley.”
Celebrities who have dined at the Bistro include Eddie Haskell and Wally and Beaver Cleaver from the popular television program, “Leave It to Beaver.” Other notables include Peyton Manning, Pat Summitt and Phillip Fulmer, as well as television reporter Orlando Salinas, Bruce Pearl, Marla Maples (while she was dating Donald Trump), Ricky Skaggs, comedian Willie P. Richardson, golf legend Paul Azinger and David Oreck.
The Bald Headed Bistro is at 201 Keith St. in the Village Green Town Center. The restaurant’s reservation number is 472-6000.
A new dish created by Wesley True featuring lamb meatballs available now only at the Bald Headed Bistro