Uchi Chef Embarrassment
Famed Uchi chef resigns after being found in a ditch and arrested for DWI
Philip Speer, pastry chef and director of culinary operations for the famed Uchi restaurant empire, has resigned. A spokesperson confirmed his departure and issued the following statement.
"Philip Speer has officially resigned from Uchi Restaurant Group. We understand his decision and are grateful for his innumerable contributions and dedication over the last 10 years, and we wish him success for his future endeavors."
During his tenure at Uchi, Uchiko and, most recently, St. Philip Pizza Parlor + Bakeshop in Austin, Speer developed a reputation for crafting innovative and creative dishes. The chef has also been named a James Beard Award semifinalist.
In October, he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after he hit a natural gas pipe and flipped over his car in North Austin. Speer allegedly fled the scene and later was found unconscious in a ditch by a KVUE videographer who had come to report the story. He was arrested by Austin police and charged with "Driving While Intoxicated, 3rd or more."
According to court documents, Speer is set to reappear in front of a Travis County judge on February 10 to face charges.