Changes at La Poste

Chef Dave Taylor and GM Kelly Lough have left La Poste, and Andrew Mersmann has been promoted to Executive Director of Operations and Executive Chef at both La Poste and sister restaurant Django Western Taco, according to Jens Rosenkrantz, owner of both restaurants. Travis Hale has been promoted to Assistant General Manager at La Poste. No word yet on the next ventures for Taylor and Lough.

The press release:

CINCINNATI, OH January 15, 2014 -- Effective immediately Andrew Mersmann has been promoted to Executive Director of Operations and Executive Chef at La Poste Eatery and Django Western Taco. Andrew is an award-winning chef and 14 year veteran in the local restaurant scene. In addition, Travis Hale has been promoted to Assistant General Manager at La Poste Eatery.

David Taylor and Kelly Lough, who opened La Poste more than three years ago as founding partners, have embarked on new opportunities. They will be assisting in the transition as we continue to maintain the high level of cuisine and service that La Poste has been known for since its opening.

Andrew Mersmann is a graduate of Walnut Hills High School and attended the Fine Arts program at the incinnati Art Academy. He has also attended the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago and the Midwest Culinary Institute. In 2010 and 2011 he was the Gold medalist in the Chaines des Rotisseurs’ Young Chef’s competition in Cincinnati. He has worked in the finest local restaurants in Cincinnati with increasing responsibilities. The list includes Pigall's, Jean-Ro Bistro, Pho Paris, Greenup Cafe, Otto's, Honey, and Jean-Robert's Table. He joined La Poste Eatery in 2011 as Chef de Cuisine. In 2013 he assumed the position of General Manager and Executive Chef at Django Western Taco.

Travis Hale is also a 14 year industry veteran and has been at La Poste for more than two years. Previously he worked at Nada for four years as a server and manager.

La Poste Eatery is a 75 seat fine dining restaurant serving French inspired New American cuisine located in Clifton's Gaslight District around the corner from the Esquire Theatre. There is an extensive wine list that is stored in a 2,000 bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar. It is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and available for private parties. There is live Jazz on Wednesdays with the Faux Frenchmen, and valet parking every day.

Django Western Taco was opened in June of 2012 in Northside and serves an eclectic mix of Southwestern and “Cowboy Fusion” cuisine. And tacos too. The atmosphere is casual with weekly live music and a full bar.

Jens G. Rosenkrantz Jr., an award-winning fine-art photographer, and retired wine salesman and financial securities executive, is the owner. He has a studio at the Pendleton Arts Center in OTR.