Holy Hudson Barrel hot sauce! Chef Selby leaving Vesta family

Matt Selby, the 15-year kitchen captain at Vesta Dipping Grill and Steuben’s, is leaving the organization he helped elevate to top-eats status.

“It’s time for a new and different challenge,” Selby said in a statement.  “It’s been an incredible 15-year run and I am proud of everything (owners) Josh (Wolkon), Jen and I have accomplished. We have built three successful restaurants together appeared on four Food Network shows, had multiple visits to the James Beard House and written a cookbook. We have traveled the world and done a ton of philanthropy work together. It is just time for me to take what I have learned and try something on my own. It’s time to leave the nest.”

Wolkon, owner of Vesta, Steuben’s and Ace, delivered the shocking news to the press Tuesday afternoon. For those who have followed Vesta’s growth, Selby was a fixture who’s passion helped increase that restaurant’s popularity and stature in the restaurant community.

“We have been blessed to have Matty with us for the past 15 years. In this business such a long run is a rarity,” Wolkon said. “Chef Selby’s mark will forever be left on Vesta, Steuben’s and Ace.”

Brandon Foster, who has been serving as executive chef of Vesta for five years, will continue to run the kitchen. Brandon Biederman will continue in his role of the last six years as executive chef of Steuben’s and most recently Ace.

“Jen and I will be forever grateful for everything Chef Selby has helped us accomplish,” Wolkon said. “We have grown up together, shared marriages, births, travels, and memorable food and restaurant related experiences.”