When James (Jim) Nicas referred to as me final week to say the deal to promote the Fort Restaurant was sealed the information was bittersweet.
In his 70s, Jim stated it was time to maneuver on, explaining that he and spouse Denise deliberate to spend extra time in retirement with their grandchildren and to journey. Whereas he didn’t reveal the title(s) of the individuals who purchased the Leicester property, he emphasised they have been “really, really an exquisite household.”
The Fort restaurant had been within the Nicas household for greater than 70 years. Nicas and his sister, Evangeline, took over possession and the operation of the restaurant after their dad and mom, Stanley J. Nicas and Helen Nicas, handed. The Nicas’ different son, John S. Nicas, was the Fort’s government chef previous to his demise.
I interacted with the relations by means of the years, having fun with Sunday Jazz at Sundown on the patio and sharing Escoffier dinners, wine tastings, meals judging competitions and different culinary occasions. Often, perhaps just a little gossip on a name with Stanley or after a meals competitors. A famend chef and restaurateur, the person knew nearly everybody within the enterprise, internet hosting celebrated cooks from america and Europe all through his lifetime. He was a founding member of the Distinguished Visiting Chef Program at Johnson & Wales College in Windfall, and chaired this system till his demise. He launched an apprenticeship program on the Fort within the early 50s, working with the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and Johnson & Wales College in Windfall for greater than 40 years. His awards and accolades are limitless.
