Mims out at Carmine’s; Freehouse Closes, but Future Plans Await
August 27th, 2008Gossip Alert!
This week, Philadelphia Magazine reported that longtime Carmine’s Creole Café chef/owner John Mims is no longer involved with the former Havertown / Narberth / now Bryn Mawr mainstay or his new Center City project Les Bons Temps. Mims says that “things aren’t exactly civil: ‘The lawyers are involved. It’s going to be a really ugly divorce.’”
Mims also says he has another project in the works, but is unable to talk about it yet. Thankfully, he’s been scooped by mainlinedine commenter Carol, who writes in that he’ll open up another Creole spot in place of Wayne’s Freehouse, which has closed for renovations.
UPDATE: Freehouse is open, Mims working in the kitchen, menu now creole-influenced.
August 28th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Who embezzled whom?
August 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
john embezzled howard. and now hes working (barely) at freehouse in wayne.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
john is definintely out!!!! He does not have a new project, but will merely be an employee (but for how long, til he gets caught again). Carmine’s and Les Bons Temps are doing well. The food at both locations continues to be as wonderful as ever. Im sure that Mims will not succeed anywhere as crooks never prosper
September 6th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Freehouse closed?
I drove by last night. It looked open.
What’s the story?
September 8th, 2008 at 9:13 am
The Freehouse is open and with better food than ever. Still a great place to have a glass of wine and appetizer. Looks like it has been updated and improved.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I was wondering if anyone has heard the rumors that the Wooden Iron is closing and a Flannigan’s Boathouse is going in, in its place? If this is true what does everyone think of this?