New executive chef J.R. Gordon joins Copper Crow in Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Copper Crow is welcoming a new executive chef to the kitchen. With accolades like being a prior contestant and runner-up of "CHOPPED" during season 17, and being the private chef for Doris Hurley, daughter of the Häagen-Dazs founders, Seth “J.R.” Gordon is joining the team.

Gordon, a classically trained chef and alumnus of the International Culinary Center, has an extensive background in fine dining. He has created and served several prominent New York City and Florida clients, including Peter Kalikow, a past owner and publisher of the New York Post.

Before becoming a private chef, Gordon was a sous chef at Le Cirque, a critically acclaimed French restaurant in NYC. Gordon said he is only as good as his last dish.

"When the food lands on the table, in front of a hungry customer, I want it to be an experience," Gordon said. "No matter how simple or elegant the dish might be, I want them to see the passion and dedication, and as they take that first bite, to know that I put my soul into that dish."

Founding chef Timothy Gates will continue helping the restaurant prep dishes, share recipes, and work alongside Gordon. Gates built the current menu with owner Jason Pierce and established Copper Crow's culinary program.

The Copper Crow opened in 2021 in the Andrew Kirk & Son’s Brewery building at 904 Broadway. Pierce said the restaurant's vision and concepts will remain unchanged with Gordon entering the kitchen.

"...but we fully expect Chef Gordon to make his mark on the menu by developing new and exciting dishes and concepts, and further refining our eclectic menu of internationally influenced dishes," Pierce said.