Chef Gator BACK in San Mateo with Gator’s at The Grill

Hot news over on the Chowhound today is Chef Gator Thompson of Dollie Marie's (R.I.P.) and San Jose's Bayonne Southern Dining fame has been hired as a chef consultant and partner at the shuttered Peninsula Grill space in San Mateo. He's going to totally revamp the menu and the space -- but hopefully only the inside, because the current HoJo's chic (pictured) is quite retro hot in our humble opinion.

Gator says the relaunch ensues next Monday, December 20th with a new "seasonal BBQ" menu offered from 11 a.m. to close. He'll be working in local meats like Fra' Mani chorizo and andouille. There's also talk of a muffaletta using Fra' Mani cold cuts and an eventual breakfast menu and all-you-can-eat lunch buffet line. According to Chowhounder Melianie Wong, Thompson has also perfected a fast-smoking technique for The Grill's Weber. More on hours and menu items after we reach the Gator himself.

· Gator's At The Grill, Starting Next Week in San Mateo [Chowhound]
· All Previous Gator Thompson Coverage [~ ESF ~]
· Sachin Chopra picks San Mateo Victorian for his modern Indian spot All Spice [ISSF]