Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: Chef Brian Lewis

Confirming rumors that have persisted for months, Chef Brian Lewis – who co-created Bedford Post Inn with Richard Gere -- will be opening a restaurant in New Canaan next fall. Lewis told Patch that the restaurant will be located at 73 Elm St., which, until last weekend,

“My partners, who are all from New Canaan, and I are thrilled to be opening a restaurant finally in New Canaan,” Lewis said. “When people come from summer break, we’ll be waiting to embrace the community with this beautiful new restaurant on Elm Street.”

Lewis, 43, said he will use his experience cooking in California, Manhattan, and Europe to create “a wonderful world class restaurant with small town charm” in the as yet unnamed restaurant.

Lewis, who lives in Wilton, told Patch he has been cooking since he was 13 years old. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and his kitchen credentials include Lutece, Oceana and The Sign of the Dove, according to his website.

“I’m an American chef cooking modern American food in a very grounded way,” Lewis said. “The restaurant will be rooted in tradition and inspired by innovation.”

Lewis said the new restaurant will be “outside the box,” but approachable in terms of price point. The design will be “modern in feel.” He and his partners are planning a bar where patrons will be able to have a bowl of homemade pasta or a burger with a  glass of wine.

“This will be an easy Tuesday night restaurant, or you can dress it up and make something special if you so choose,” Lewis said. “It will be great food for any day of the week.”

Ingredients will be locally inspired and sourced, with a focus on Connecticut and New England farms and artisans. Lewis said he will have his own plot on a farm in Westchester to grow produce for the restaurant.

When on Feb. 5, co-owner Cliff Aloi told Patch there are too many restaurants in New Canaan. In late 2010 and opened in town, Chef Luis is currently undergoing an expansion, and in spring 2011, with a restaurant and market at 134 Main St. Does Lewis think New Canaan can support so many eating establishments?

“I really feel the more the merrier,” he said. “With the Food Network and all the different brands that are communicating the importance and value and entertainment of food and the culinary arts it has sparked so much interest in restaurants. I want to keep upping my game, to recreate my experience. Chefs should be pushing themselves. I love that we’re in a time when food and the dining scene could never be hotter. And my mother ship will be right here.”