Executive Chef Jim Leiken Leaves Cafe Boulud

Generally, most people tend to have a negative opinion of hotel restaurants. Whether it's due to bland food, long travel times for room service, or just too much time spent at the Holiday Inn buffet, consensus is to get a good bite to eat, you need to make your way...

By Sara Ventiera

August 13, 2013

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Generally, most people tend to have a negative opinion of hotel restaurants. Whether it's due to bland food, long travel times for room service, or just too much time spent at the Holiday Inn buffet, consensus is to get a good bite to eat, you need to make your way out through the lobby.

While in many cases that assumption would prove to be correct, in tourist driven South Florida it couldn't be farther from the truth. The perfect example: Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach's historic Brazilian Court.

Part of legendary chef Daniel Boulud's mini-empire of high-end French cuisine, the restaurant is known for its exceptional food and service; however, sadly for us, executive chef Jim Leiken is handing over the reigns.

- Cafe Boulud's Jim Leiken: A Q&A About Pig's Bladder and "Imaginary Daniel Boulud"

Just this week, Leiken has left the renowned Palm Beach dining spot to spend some time with his family.

"After nearly 12 years working for Daniel Boulud, I've decided to take the rest of the summer off, catch my breath, and enjoy some well-deserved time with my family," said Leiken. "I'm excited to see what life beyond Dinex holds for me, and hope to find a new kitchen to call home for the fall."

Leiken originally came to Palm Beach in summer of 2011, after making the move from DBGB, Boulud's younger, more casual concept in New York.

Currently, Cafe Boulud has not made any announcements on who will fill Leiken's shoes at the restaurant.

Cafe Boulud Palm Beach issued this statement about the chef's departure:

After many years working for Daniel Boulud, Chef Jim Leiken has made the decision to resign from Café Boulud Palm Beach to pursue other opportunities and we wish him the best of luck for future. We will look forward to announcing our new Executive Chef in the coming weeks.

We will keep you updated on details regarding Cafe Boulud and its new executive chef as we receive more information.

Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.

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