Meet David Breeden, (Most Likely) Le Bec-Fin's Next Executive Chef

The last few days have turned up some interesting informational tidbits that add up to David Breeden, current executive sous chef at Per Se, taking over the coveted and secretive executive chef job at Le Bec-Fin 2.0. Intel placed Breeden with new Le Bec owner and former French Laundry GM Nic Fanucci, who has been bopping around Philly this week tying up loose ends at his new restaurant. Hopefully this will stop the absurd Eli Kaimeh (current CDC at Per Se, and NYC's best chef) rumors the Philly foodscape has been hawking since news trickled out on LBF's upcoming sale.

Information on Breeden—who we know is from Tennessee and has been with Keller a very long time—has been hard to come by. Apparently he likes to shop for food in Spain with Keller from time-to-time, while the two read each other's minds during dish development. Judging by the pics, he also likes brylcreem.

Would this be a good move? Absolutely. Being Keller's right-hand man can only be positive, and if they share a mind in terms of menu development, Le Bec-Fin has a good chance to rise once more. Fanucci just needs to hold up his end of the bargain in the service department. Again, this does not mean that Keller is taking over LBF. This is a private venture for Fanucci, and now, apparently, Breeden.

UPDATE: Eater Philly has confirmed that Chef Breeden and Nic Fanucci dined together in Philly with their families a few times in the past month. Seems like a good sign that this is real.

Would this be a good move? Absolutely. Being Keller's right-hand man can only be positive, and if they share a mind in terms of menu development, Le Bec-Fin has a good chance to rise once more. Fanucci just needs to hold up his end of the bargain in the service department. Again, this does not mean that Keller is taking over LBF. This is a private venture for Fanucci, and now, apparently, Breeden.

We must note that no one at TKRG or Le Bec-Fin has confirmed this information, but more than a few airtight sources have tipped us off to the news, and it's a good educated guess. If anyone on the front line confirms this major detail (which we've been hearing for a week now), you'll be the first to know. Happy Friday, everyone.

· All Le Bec-Fin Coverage [~EPHI~]
· Keller Restaurant Group Not Taking Over Le Bec-Fin [~EPHI~]