Chef Brian Lewis To Open Westport Restaurant in Le Farm Space

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger

Chef Brian Lewis

It is a very exciting time in Westport with the announcement that Chef Brian Lewis and Chef Bill Taibe have entered into a deal where Lewis will take over the space that previously housed Le Farm Restaurant on the Post Road. Before opening in early November, Lewis will reimagine the interior to reflect his warm hospitality and cuisine with layered flavors in an inviting setting. CTbites sat with Chef Lewis to discuss his latest venture.

“I am thrilled about opening a restaurant in Westport. This is my first step towards becoming a vibrant part of the community. I looked at numerous properties in the area but this location feels like home. I’m looking forward to settling in and getting to know residents of the neighborhood.”

With forty seats, the restaurant will maintain its comfortable downtown character as the backdrop to Lewis’ consciously sourced cuisine. Known for his balancing of flavors and textures, Lewis will continue to emphasize the flavors of the seasons. With his relationships with local farms, foragers and artisans, the dishes will embrace only the best local ingredients.

Chef Lewis’ career includes working with some of the most prolific chefs in the industry. After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America with honors and receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University he refined his style in the kitchens of legendary chefs Jean Louis Palladin and Marco Pierre White. His experience also led to cooking at Lutèce, Oceana, The Sign of The Dove, Rockenwagner, The Village Pub and Bix before returning to Westchester to open The Barn and The Farmhouse at The Bedford Post. His latest venture, elm in New Canaan, received numerous accolades including being named one of the best new restaurants in the state by Connecticut Magazine in 2013, and one of the best new restaurants in the country by Esquire Magazine in 2012.

​​In sitting with both Chef Lewis and Chef Bill Taibe to discuss this news, Taibe mentioned, “It was important to find the next chef to keep the space as a top tier restaurant. After six years in the current location I wanted to look at other opportunities. I will maintain the “Le Farm” name and will look to open at a new location in the future.” He concluded with high praise, “Westport, you are in good hands with Brian.”

Stay tuned to CTbites as we follow the progression of Chef Lewis and his new venture in Westport.