Ian Coogan - Motel Morris & KID

WHO: Chef Ian Coogan is the culinary director of Motel Morris and KID, a forthcoming pizza restaurant.

ABOUT: Coogan attended New York’s French Culinary Institute, and shortly after graduation, was hired by chef Kerry Heffernan at Eleven Madison Park, where he quickly rose in the ranks. He then joined The Core Club, private member’s club in Manhattan with a seasonal restaurant designed by Tom Colicchio, and move on to work with Dan Kluger in the opening of abc kitchen by Jean-Georges Vongerichten (and was there when they were awarded the James Beard Best New Restaurant 2011 award) 

After three years at abc kitchen, he was approached by Jean-Georges to be the opening chef de cuisine for abc cocina, where he went on to work as the executive chef for both abc kitchen and abc cocina. He then moved on and took the helm as executive chef at Altro Paradiso and Cafe Lodi. Most recently, Coogan joined the team at Motel Morris as their new culinary director. 

KID, the forthcoming pizza restaurant from the team behind Chelsea’s beloved family-owned restaurant Motel Morris and coffee shop The Commons Chelsea, is set to open in early 2025. Inspired by owners Brett Nidel, Sam Nidel & Tamara McCarthy’s favorite childhood pizza spots, KID brings a nostalgic yet modern twist with a seasonal menu. The menu showcases a rotating selection of NYC-style pizzas, along with locally sourced vegetable-forward dishes and large plates rooted in timeless, comforting flavors.

WHAT: Coogan, with experience honed at abc kitchen, abc cocina and Altro Paradiso, takes seasonal American cuisine to new heights with bold global influences at Motel Morris. We’ll get a preview of dishes from his forthcoming restaurant, KID, which shines a spotlight on locally sourced vegetable-forward dishes and large plates rooted in timeless, comforting flavors.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 2, 6 PM - 8 PM EST

WHERE: De Gustibus Cooking School