Introducing Elm Restaurant’s New Chef and Menu

An inspired new chef and enticing spring menu have taken root at elm restaurant - as critically acclaimed Executive Chef Luke Venner brings his vision of casual and elegant dining to New Canaan. Highly skilled, yet refreshingly, modest - Venner joins elm from Manhattan twin hot spots, BLT Fish and BLT Steak. His award-winning dishes have been featured in the New York Times, Gotham, Elle, Wine Spectator and the New York Post.

Excited for spring, Luke is introducing a new menu that will range from snacks and small plates to larger dishes as well as entrees for two. This simple, yet sophisticated menu will embrace the abundance of both local and seasonal northeastern ingredients.

Elm’s modern interior is designed with the guest experience in mind. Choose from a variety of dining environments depending on occasion or mood. An outdoor patio overlooks downtown New Canaan, the lively bar seats 10, while the main dining room accommodates 55. Elm offers a private Chef's Table accommodating up to 14 and for the discerning diner, a Chef's Counter for 4 - provides a front row seat to watch Luke's team in action. 

Venner returns to Connecticut, having worked as opening ‘Chef de Cuisine’ at the James Beard Nominated Millwright’s Restaurant. During his time there, the New York Times praised its unique approach to New England-cuisine heralding it as: “Comfort Food Kept Sophisticatedly Simple.”

His inspiration comes from the North East with nuances of culinary experiences across the country (including working alongside Michelin starred chefs Richard Reddington and Shaun Hergatt) and travels in South America. Venner says: “It's exciting to be back in Connecticut. I considered several projects in the city, but I was really drawn to the community atmosphere here. It was also important for me to get a little closer to a natural environment and establish some new relationships with farmers, who don't necessarily have the resources to get their product to an urban green market.”

Elm restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday – Friday (11:30am – 2:30pm) and dinner Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday (5:30 – 9:30pm) and on Friday – Saturday until 10:00pm.

Take a look at the Mother's Day Menu: http://www.elmrestaurant.com/?page_id=3962

elm restaurant, 73 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840 / 203 920 4994 / http://www.elmrestaurant.com/

Follow Chef Luke Venner on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LukeVenner

Images: courtesy: Jane Beiles Photography