John Tesar is Moving to New York

Cathy B. at Eats blog has the story.

UPDATE: I just found the official press release in my junk mail folder. Details below.

John Tesar to be Executive Chef of Fishtail in New York joining acclaimed chef, restaurateur and friend David Burke

Dallas – February 26, 2009 – John Tesar, a recent 2009 James Beard award semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest announced today he has accepted the position as executive chef of Fishtail by David Burke. In addition, Tesar will work closely with Burke on future projects. “While it is difficult to leave Dallas and all the friends I have made here within the culinary-conscious media I feel strongly this position flexes my passion and ability as a seafood chef.” In addition to Chef Tesar’s many accolades, reviews and mentions from the Dallas media including the Dallas Morning News, Modern Luxury Dallas and PaperCity, during his tenure The Mansion Restaurant was named one of the ten “Best Restaurants” of 2008 by D Magazine.

Fishtail by David Burke www.fishtaildb.com is an innovative seafood concept on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Located in a historic townhouse the bi-level eatery combines casual late night dining in the ground floor oyster bar with traditional seating in the main second floor dining room. “I love the model David (Burke) has created and I’ve known and admired David’s work for years. He’s inventive, endlessly creative and a smart restaurateur,” says Tesar

Fishtail offers the freshest fare provided by Litchfield Farms, Burke’s company-owned fishing boar out of Brielle, NJ as well as Hunts Point fish market. Burke’s focus on the sustainable seafood movement parallels with John Tesar’s experience as the Executive Chef RM Seafood in Las Vegas along and the use locavore-influenced menu he created at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. “There’s no need to rob from the ocean when there are safer less destructive ways to harvest seafood and enjoy it,” says Tesar

John Tesar has many scheduled appearances in Dallas including Chef Tesar’s Burgers and Burgundy on Sunday March 22nd and Share our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Dallas on Sunday, May 17th.