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FORD FRY NAMES NEW WEST MIDTOWN RESTAURANTS & HIRES CHEF ADAM EVANS

The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist Scheduled to Open in May 2012

Ford Fry has decided to name his new restaurant The Optimist. Located in West Midtown and scheduled to open in May, the restaurant’s menu will focus on sustainable seafood prepared in a wood-burning oven. Adjacent to the new restaurant, Fry will also be opening Oyster Bar at The Optimist, a more casual “fish camp” style venue, featuring an outdoor patio, live music and an oyster bar. Both the oyster bar and restaurant will feature Smith Hanes’ designs.

The name for the restaurant was suggested a few months ago by Fry’s father, who enjoys sailing. In sailing terms, an optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15. The understated quality of the name along with the forthright meaning of the word optimist appeals to Fry. Fry also appreciates the reference to being an optimist about the “day’s catch” and “catching the next big fish.” The Optimist is located at 914 Howell Mill Road.

After proving his expert abilities at JCT. Kitchen & Bar, chef Adam Evans was promoted to open Owner/Chef Ford Fry’s highly anticipated seafood eatery, which will also feature an adjacent oyster bar reminiscent of those lining the northern coast.

In addition to a hands-on approach to choosing the catch brought in to The Optimist’s kitchen, Evans will take the lead in creating seasonal offerings for the menu.

“After working my way up though several big dining cities over the years, I have learned a great deal about technique,” says Evans. “I take pride in building simple, clean, new American dishes, and I plan to use a unique mix of fish species to create flavors that will leave a lasting impression.”