Maureen Wallenfang
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Published 6:51 p.m. UTC May 24, 2018
Two chefs who’ve worked their entire careers for others have decided that it’s high time they work for themselves.
Matias Whittingslow and Josh Sickler figured they’d take the financial risk and do the hard work to become authors of their own story.
Their coming restaurant in Appleton is called Author’s Kitchen + Bar.
“I think it’s our time,” said Whittingslow, 32.
“It’s crazy,” said Sickler, 40. “But it’s crazy not to do it.”
Their new place is across from the Appleton Public Library at 201 N. Appleton St. in Appleton. That space previously housed Il Angolo, until its recent move to College Avenue, and before that Polly’s Bar & Grill and Bohl & Maeser shoes.
They’d like to open Author’s around mid-June. The exact date is dependent on plumbing fixes, electrical work, final details and city inspections.
The two chefs became friends while working in a number of local restaurant kitchens together going back to 2014. They decline to name past places they’ve worked because they want to start here from scratch.
“We want our own identity now,” said Sickler.
They’re using their own savings and resources, including proceeds from selling a motorcycle and car, rather than using bank loans or outside investors.
When it opens, Author’s will serve dinner five nights a week and weekend brunches. Menus are up now on authorskitchenandbar.com and they have a Facebook page.
Menus include made-from-scratch pastas, meat and seafood entrees, salads, snacks, appetizers and breakfast dishes like French toast, eggs benedict and omelets. They’ll have beer and wine to start.
“It’s simple homemade cooking taken to the next level. You recognize the ingredients and the flavors,” said Whittingslow, whose background includes cooking in his native Argentina plus Europe and Chicago. “We’re going to keep it affordable, approachable and delicious.”
More: The Buzz: Planning underway for 2018 Restaurant Tour Week Fox Valley
More: The Buzz: Mary’s Family Restaurant to close Oneida Street location
More: The Buzz: McFleshman’s Brewing Co. gets ready to pour
Let’s block ads! (Why?)