Why is Jim LoCascio leaving Barclay Prime?
It's an old story. He's 37 and he wants a life.
Chef Jim LoCascio has given notice at Barclay Prime, as the Grubstreet blog noted this morning, and his last night will be Feb. 9.
His next batch of patrons will be his family: "Five restaurants in eight years [in Philadelphia] is a lot of work," LoCascio told me, adding that he wants to coach spring baseball and spend time with his wife and sons (ages 7 and 5) and baby daughter (19 months). He said he'd work for his father-in-law's construction company before he plots his next move.
Barclay Prime is looking for his replacement.
LoCascio, a San Franciscan and one of the nicest guys to head a Center City kitchen, arrived in Philly in August 2002 to work for Jean-Marie Lacroix at Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. A month later, Stephen Starr poached him (gently) for Jones. Shortly after, LoCascio landed as executive sous chef at Tangerine and in December 2004 he arrived at Barclay Prime. Meanwhile, he helped Starr open Butcher & Singer and Chelsea Prime.