BRIDGEPORT — Oliver's Cafe is closing, maybe for a week or two or even up to six months.
Chef Oliver Valenzuela said he is closing his namesake restaurant at 451 W. 31st St. for personal reasons but declined to elaborate. He did, however, say he "definitely wants to get back, stronger than ever, to Bridgeport."
The BYOB restaurant, which enjoys generally good reviews on Yelp, was trying to drum up business with the local crowds by hosting weekly International Night, where Valenzuela would cook up large feasts of globally inspired cuisine and serve it at low prices.
As his own restaurant goes dark, Valenzuela is taking on a consulting gig at The Last Pit Stop BBQ in Ravenswood, where a manager said they've handpicked him to "make the menu more creative so it's not all bland and plain."
Valenzuela has worked in the New York City's Waldorf Astoria, Chicago's Palmer House and a New Orleans Hilton and earned top chef gigs at the fancy Women's Athletic Club of Chicago and Green Acres Country Club.
The news of the closing was announced Wednesday on the restaurant's website, which simply said "We are temporarily closed. Oliver's Café is being refurbished for your future enjoyment. Stay tuned for news and updates."
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