Ben Leath New Exec Chef At People's Last Stand

by Azure Wedan

The People’s Last Stand recently rolled out a new menu featuring only a handful of their former favorites. Dishes such as baked truffle mac and short rib nachos can be credited to People’s new head chef Ben Leath. Hailing from The Cedars Social, by way of Spoon Bar and Kitchen, Leath brings a fresh take on the tiny kitchen at the craft cocktail bar in Mockingbird Station.

Leath was tasked with creating a menu of elevated bar food that intrigued but didn’t intimidate guests. Leath is also working on creative ways to use the Panini press in the mini kitchen, which has two convection ovens (only one of which is a commercial size piece of equipment) and two hot plates, without setting off the fire alarm that also serves neighboring pub Trinity Hall and The Angelika Film Center & Cafe.

The young chef, who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in September 2012, never imagined such an opportunity so soon after graduation. The creative liberties he was given with the menu at People’s give him an opportunity to share the experience he has gathered working closely with some of the city’s favorite chefs, while also giving him the freedom to continue his culinary growth.

When asked about his experience with John Tesar at Spoon, Leath reflects on watching the master at work. “He was working really hard and you were trying to work as hard as him, and you never could,” Leath said. That combined with the knowledge he acquired from his time at The Cedars Social, to which he attributes 80 percent of his culinary experience, offers a rich base for Leath to reflect on.

What excites Leath most about his new role is the potential. Leath says the regulars at People’s are talking about and loving the food. He has hopes that the demand will grow such that there will be a need for a second location.

Watch for Leath’s special offerings every weekend as he creates new and exciting dishes. And don’t miss the chance to have your bartender recommend the perfect cocktail to pair with an order of his lemon cream crab dip.

People’s Last Stand | 5319 E Mockingbird, Dallas | 214.370.8755