Knife Italian Steak

Top Chef John Tesar Leaves Orange County Restaurant After Union Issue | Eater LA

"Following an altercation with picketers that was captured on video in early August in Dana Point, John Tesar stepped away from Knife Modern Steak in Orange County; the footage shows him shouting obscenities at workers protesting for wage raises and other comprehensive benefits, breaking one protestor’s drum, swearing at the group, flipping off the camera, and walking away. He later called the incident "not my proudest moment," said he believed the protestors had been harassing his children, apologized to members of Unite Here, sent his full statement to the union’s X account, and announced that he would end his involvement with the restaurant so he can focus on his Texas and Florida restaurants; Unite Here Local 11 responded that the apology was "accepted." - Farley Elliott