My Experience with Chef Ken Marcotte*
April 29, 2009 Update. I received a call from a friend of Nancy Marcotte, former spouse of Ken Marcotte, to inform me that they are divorced and that Ken is not involved in Marcotte Distinctive Catering in Sea Girt.
If this is true, then any commentary about Ken Marcotte, should be viewed in its historical placement when Ken and Nancy were married.
If Ken is not involved in Nancy's catering business in Sea Girt, you should judge the quality of her catering business for yourself.
About Ken Marcotte
I got to know Ken Marcotte from dining at his former Westfield New Jersey Restaurant named simply "Ken Marcotte". Over the years, I hosted a number of wine tasting events at his restaurant and became a patron and vocal supporter of the restaurant.
During the course of my patronage we had the opportunity to share our common knowledge and passion for wine. It was during this time that Ken Marcotte accepted wine from my wine cellar on consignment to sell at the restaurant. The deal was that he would pay me when the wine was sold in either gift certificates or cash, whatever I wanted. This seemed like a good idea since I wanted him to have a great wine list and I am happy when people have a chance to taste great wines when paired with fine foods.
One day, I found out that Ken closed Ken Marcotte Restaurant and he no longer had possession of a liquor license. When he closed the Ken Marcotte restaurant, he conveniently sold his wine and I assume my wine, because he never called me to take back what was unsold. When I tried to contact Ken about getting my wine back or the cash for the wine, he would not respond. After many unanswered phone calls to Ken, I figured out that the wine would not be coming back.
Ken then opened a new restaurant, Paprika Grille, without a liquor license which had a short run and also closed. See Westfield Leader news reference. Still no offer to resolve the unsettle matter of my wine which is valued today at over $3,000 dollars.
I bring this up to show what kind of man Ken Marcotte is to someone who patronized his restaurant and tried to help his business by adding great wines to his wine list. So, as they say, buyer beware. Be careful in dealing with a man that will not honor his agreements. A person who did not make any effort to resolve a business matter that involved a patron and customer.
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As of January 1, 2008, I have received four threatening emails from someone claiming to be Ken Marcotte. All four times the writer refused to acknowledge that this agreement existing between Ken and I. If Ken had written to apologize and offer to resolve this matter, it would have made all the difference in my mind. Instead, the writer of three emails threatens my free speech and informs me to "watch my back". I can only interpret the "watch my back" statement as implying physical harm.
Well, that's what makes America different from oppressive countries that limit free speech. I am glad I can write about what I know to be true. In this matter there was no official contract, just an agreement between two men, which I thought would be honored.
