Framingham/Natick Retail NewsCenter

Sel de la Terre Brings a Taste of Provence to Natick

Title: Sel de la Terre Brings a Taste of Provence to Natick

Author: Press Release

Publication: Press Release

Date of Publication: April 17, 2007

Corresponding Retail Development: Natick Collection 2007 Expansion

Corresponding Town: Natick

Web Site Link: None

Text:

NATICK, MA (April 17, 2007) -- In the wake of seven years of local and national recognition, chef/owner Geoff Gardner and co-owner Frank McClelland (executive chef of sister restaurant L’Espalier) have decided to expand on the success of Sel de la Terre with a second location, this time in the Metro-West area.  Nestled comfortably between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom at the new Natick Collection, Sel de la Terre Natick will welcome its first guests in early September 2007.  With this new location, devoted diners can experience Sel de la Terre’s signature Provencal style without having to travel in to Boston. 

“We are thrilled to bring the best of Sel de la Terre to Natick and we’re always looking for a new challenge,” says Geoff Gardner, co-owner and executive chef of Sel de la Terre’s Boston location.  Gardner will also provide the culinary direction for the overall Sel de la Terre brand.  “Our concept has always been sophisticated, yet approachable and we believe local Metro-West residents will welcome Sel de la Terre as a new, unique dining destination,” adds Gardner.  The restaurant’s warm and inviting décor, along with its seasonal and locally grown Provencal-inspired cuisine, beckons diners to come and enjoy an innovative meal without pretense. Gardner is excited to expand this beloved brand and emphasizes the unwavering quality and consistency that will carry over to the new restaurant.

To execute Sel de la Terre’s rustic French Provencal menu, Gardner and McClelland have brought Chef Daniel Bojorquez on board.  With over six years experience in the kitchen at L’Espalier and Sel de la Terre, extensive French culinary training, and time spent cooking under chefs Charlie Trotter and Rick Tramonto, Bojorquez brings an incredible working knowledge of the product to his new position. 

“Naming Daniel the executive chef of Sel de la Terre Natick was the logical next step in his long history with the company,” says co-owner Frank McClelland.  “Daniel’s talent behind the stove and steadfast attention to detail makes him the best person to carry out our creative vision for this second location,” adds McClelland.

A native of Sonora, Mexico, Bojorquez will bring his extensive experience cooking French cuisine combined with the occasional hint of an ingredient or technique from his Mexican heritage to the menu at Sel de la Terre Natick.  Bojorquez will create inspired contemporary dishes in Sel de la Terre’s traditional style creating a menu which is both familiar and innovative.  In addition to executing such Sel de la Terre classics as assiette de charcuterie with toasted brioche, mustard and chutney; grilled black Angus ribeye steak frites with red wine shallot reduction; and skillet roasted duck breast with fingerling potatoes, asparagus and blood orange glacage, Bojorquez will also enhance the menu with such personal favorites as seared scallops with corn pancake, crispy prosciutto and sauce gribiche; prune and ancho marinated brook trout with spinach and mushroom risotto;  and peppered venison with mole, escarole and fried sweet potatoes.

Sel de la Terre Natick will also feature the restaurant’s signature boulangerie, the perfect spot for shoppers to enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, French pastries or pick up Sel de la Terre’s award-winning fresh breads and charcuterie.

Sel de la Terre Boston is located at 255 State Street next to the New England Aquarium and serves lunch, dinner, brunch and late-night French Provencal fare. The restaurant accommodates 120 guests, and has a private dining room for special events. Sel de la Terre is open seven days a week and reservations can be made by phoning 617-720-1300.  For menus and other information, please visit www.seldelaterre.com.

Sel de la Terre Natick is slated to open in September 2007 at the Natick Collection - 1245 Worcester Street in Natick.