Almost Home

We’re almost there.

After weeks of silence, delays, insurance red tape, and pop-up after pop-up, we’re finally close to reopening EsterEv. The lights are back on. The tables are not quite set—but it’s close enough to taste.

This moment doesn’t happen without a lot of people showing up when things were tough.

To every restaurant that let us pop into their kitchens—Birch, BLVD, Lupi & Iris, Lou Lou by Lula Café, L’Etoile—you opened your doors, lent us your teams, and gave us space to keep doing what we love. We will never forget that.

To the EsterEv team. You didn’t waiver. You kept the fire lit even when we didn’t have a stove. You’re the reason we’re still here.

To those that moved on. Syd, Val, and Tyler you will forever be a part of who we are and will grow to become. Thank you for all your hard work and effort.

And to our guests, friends, and community—thank you for showing up wherever we landed, whether that was a fine dining room in Madison or a back patio with folding chairs and makeshift prep space. You kept us going.

We’re beyond excited to welcome you back into our space. It’s going to look a little different. Feel a little different. But the heart of it—the food, the hospitality, the joy of sharing a table—that’s stronger than ever.

And while we’ve been rebuilding, something else has been taking root.

I’m not ready to spill all the details just yet, but let’s just say a new adventure is on the horizon. One that blends food, competition, and a whole lot of heart. It’s not a replacement for anything—it’s an expansion of everything I’ve learned and everything I want to share next.

More on that soon.

But for now, just know this:

We’re coming back. And we can’t wait to cook for you again.

See you soon.

—Dan