Fairmont to replace Habitat restaurant

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel is getting a new restaurant and welltraveled chef.

The hotel’s 7-year-old restaurant, Habitat, will close June 4 and a new yet-to-be-named restaurant will open in late September. That restaurant will be helmed by JeanPaul Lourdes, the hotel’s new executive chef.

Born in New Zealand and raised in Japan, Mr. Lourdes has worked around the world for Michelin-starred chefs such as Pierre Gagnaire, Joel Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. He has been the head chef of restaurants such as El Tucan in Miami, Restaurant Latour in New Jersey and Bosk in Toronto. He also has worked in the perfume industry and published several children’s books.

Five years ago, a headline in the Canadian newspaper The National Post described him as, “The best chef you’ve never heard of.”

“We want to continue to be part of Pittsburgh’s evolving food scene and it is a perfect time to capitalize on the momentum that has been built,” according to Fairmont Pittsburgh general manager Matthew Sterne in a press release. “Jean-Paul’s vision and experience will be an exciting addition to the city.”

The Fairmont describes Mr. Lourdes’ food as spontaneous and surprising, noting that his menus and presentation are influenced by other creative disciplines, such as art, fashion and science.