How could a four-star Chef bring some of his past to the future? Simple. Open a new Jazz and Cigar Club.

Long before opening Cedars, Chef Matthews worked in the venerable kitchens of Arnaud's in New Orleans. Founded almost a hundred years ago by Count Arnaud, and taking up an entire block of the French Quarter, they could do over a thousand covers, and did on many occasions (1400 on New Year's Eve).

In addition to the lessons on fine french cuisine, Chef Matthews also worked as a bar tender. During his time in New Orleans, he won several bartending competitions...hence the cool martini list.

Chef Matthews also opened The Chefs Table Restaurant, his first, in New Orleans; rating Four Stars after only three months. However, more green pastures called, and since he did not own the property, Chef Matthews moved on to better things.

He purchsed, renovated, then opened an intimate and innovative location, the Black Bear Restaurant in Green Mountain Falls in 1997. Since then, he has rated Four Stars every year. But that was not enough.

Recently, Chef Matthews opened a five-star Culinary School, the first of its kind, as well as a Ballroom for catered events. Still not enough for him, and Inpired by his time working in the Jazz mecca of New Orleans, Chef Victor Matthews opened Cedars Cigar and Jazz Club.

Visit our other restaurant concepts:
http://www.blackbearrestaurant.com