Preston Clark in the El Paseo kitchen. Photo: The Chronicle
Today is Preston Clark‘s last day at El Paseo in Mill Valley.
Clark, who earned Chronicle Rising Star Chef status this year at Tyler Florence‘s Marin chophouse, is moving back to New York, which he left when he and Florence opened El Paseo. It’s a tough decision for Clark, who lives across the street from the restaurant, but ultimately a family one.
Florence sends along some additional thoughtful sentiments on the move:
I’m both terribly sad and very proud for Preston Clark as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. Opening a restaurant is a challenge in itself. But opening one along side such a consummate chef like Preston created one of the most satisfying collaborations I’ve ever had professionally. I wish him well as he and his wife Dina move back to the East Coast, closer to their families so they can all enjoy their beautiful new baby boy Christian.
It was brave of Preston to clear out his life and move out to California, just as his late father Chef Patrick Clark did when Preston was a child. Almost two years into the adventure and his first Executive Chef position, he received 3 Stars from the San Francisco Chronicle, Rising Star Chefs 2012, and firmly planted El Paseo on the Bay Area Top 100 list. Well done my friend…the best of luck to you back in New York.
El Paseo: 17 Throckmorton St., near East Blithedale, Mill Valley; (415) 388-0741 or elpaseomillvalley.com
· Previously: Rising Star Chef: Preston Clark, El Paseo [San Francisco Chronicle]
