Tiffani Faison Opening Sweet Cheeks Barbecue in Boston

Later this summer, former Top Chef contestant Tiffani Faison will open Sweet Cheeks, a Southern-style barbecue restaurant in Boston. It's unclear what style of barbecue, exactly: Faison grew up in a military family and "traveled throughout the South extensively." So maybe a mix?

The restaurant will feature a large deck, "a serious beverage program," and a take-out menu. This is the ex-cheftestapant's first restaurant since her Italian restaurant, ROCCA, closed in January. Here's the press release:

Tiffani Faison Is Back:
Star Chef Announces Plans to Open Sweet Cheeks, a Southern-Style Barbecue Restaurant, Late Summer 2011

June 9, 2011 (Boston, MA) - With much excitement, Tiffani Faison announces today that she will open Sweet Cheeks, her take on Southern-style barbecue, late Summer 2011. The restaurant will be located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood at 1381 Boylston Street, a historic part of town that is unmatched for the passion it inspires from Bostonians of every generation. The space is currently occupied by Cambridge 1.

"This is the first restaurant that I have had full creative vision for. Being from a military family, I traveled throughout the South extensively during my childhood so barbecue has pulled on my heart for decades. The opportunity to open in this space was nothing short of exhilarating and right for this dream," says Faison hinting of other concepts to come in the future. "From the kitchen to the dining room of Sweet Cheeks, the restaurant will engender a fun atmosphere and add to the personality and location of Boston’s most loved playing field," says Faison.

As for Sweet Cheek's menu, expect barbecue that is ingredient-driven, highly thoughtful, and intensely flavorful. Faison will be cooking with Southern and modern influences: ingredients will be responsibly sourced and recipes will be steeped in Southern tradition, Faison's family history, and modern culinary techniques.

Sweet Cheeks will emphasize Southern-style hospitality: warm, lighthearted and genuine. The ambiance will invite a form of dining that is lively, casual and over-the-top in fun. Sweet Cheeks also promises a large outdoor space, a serious beverage program that matches the spirit of the menu, and like any good Q joint, a strong take-out program.

Details on the menu and beverage program are forthcoming and will be released closer to Sweet Cheeks' opening.

Faison launched her career in Boston just last March 2011 with much acclaim at ROCCA kitchen & bar. Just months after re-vamping ROCCA's Italian menu she garnered a three-star Boston Globe review. She shortly thereafter appeared on Top-Chef All-Stars, having nearly won the title of Top Chef in Season 1 (2006). ROCCA closed in January 2011 and Faison used her brief hiatus to develop Sweet Cheeks.

· All Tiffani Faison Coverage on Eater [-E-]
[Photo courtesy Tiffani Faison]