Hey, Peter Chernin, what’s cooking?
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In his post-News Corp. life, the entrepreneurial Peter Chernin is cooking up more than just movies and TV shows.
The veteran media executive-turned-independent producer is quietly moonlighting as a restaurateur in Martha’s Vineyard, where he and his wife, Megan, have become part owners of a tony eatery called State Road. Located in the dry town of North Tisbury (BYOB.), the newly renovated, farmhouse-style restaurant, with wood tables, Edison bulb chandeliers and a stone fireplace, opened in June and features herbs and vegetables from its own garden. Other culinary delights include fried artichokes with yogurt and lemon sauce; mussels in a light, Thai-style coconut sauce; encrusted rack of lamb with spaetzle and spinach; and a fig and apricot brioche bread pudding with creme fraiche ice cream.
Like many well-heeled industry folks, Chernin spends a good chunk of every summer in the Vineyard, where he and his wife have kept a home for many years and, in fact, are luxuriating there as we speak.
Though Chernin declined to come to the phone to chat about his epicurean pursuits, a recent W Magazine blog rumored that President Obama and the first lady, who will vacation on the island this summer, may head to State Road, which is ‘said to be backed by a powerful crew’ of investors that includes not only Chernin but also Comcast Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Brian Roberts.
So, how’s the chow? ‘Overall, it is a most welcome addition to our up island community,’ writes one patron in an online review. ‘Presently, I would rate it as a 7.5 out of 10.’
Now, we’ll just have to see what kind of ratings Chernin’s forthcoming TV shows and movies get.
Speaking of the former News Corp. president’s new Fox-based production venture, at this month’s ‘Possible Dreams’ auction to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Chernin offered a one-month internship to ‘one lucky student (over 18),’ including ‘the chance to work on a new TV show or film and a private lunch at the studio with Peter,’ whom the program billed as ‘the ultimate Hollywood pro.’
Oh, and by the way, Mr. or Ms. Lucky, ‘transportation, lodging and meals not included.’
Geez, Peter, couldn’t you have forked over a little dough from that lucrative production deal Rupert Murdoch served you?
-- Claudia Eller
Top photo: Inside the restaurant. Credit: State Road. Bottom: Peter Chernin. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press.