Mims out at Carmine's; Freehouse Closes, but Future Plans Await
Gossip Alert!
This week, Philadelphia Magazine reported that longtime Carmine’s Creole Café chef/owner John Mims is no longer involved with the former Havertown / Narberth / now Bryn Mawr mainstay or his new Center City project Les Bons Temps. Mims says that “things aren’t exactly civil: ‘The lawyers are involved. It’s going to be a really ugly divorce.'”
Mims also says he has another project in the works, but is unable to talk about it yet. Thankfully, he’s been scooped by mainlinedine commenter Carol, who writes in that he’ll open up another Creole spot in place of Wayne’s Freehouse, which has closed for renovations.
UPDATE: Freehouse is open, Mims working in the kitchen, menu now creole-influenced.
August 28, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Who embezzled whom?
August 29, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
john embezzled howard. and now hes working (barely) at freehouse in wayne.
August 30, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
john is definintely out!!!! He does not have a new project, but will merely be an employee (but for how long, til he gets caught again). Carmine’s and Les Bons Temps are doing well. The food at both locations continues to be as wonderful as ever. Im sure that Mims will not succeed anywhere as crooks never prosper
September 6, 2008 @ 8:05 am
Freehouse closed?
I drove by last night. It looked open.
What’s the story?
September 8, 2008 @ 9:13 am
The Freehouse is open and with better food than ever. Still a great place to have a glass of wine and appetizer. Looks like it has been updated and improved.
September 10, 2008 @ 7:52 am
I was wondering if anyone has heard the rumors that the Wooden Iron is closing and a Flannigan’s Boathouse is going in, in its place? If this is true what does everyone think of this?
December 8, 2008 @ 6:01 am
UPDATE! ok for those whom just like to follow the gossip columns or think they do John is alive and doing quite well in Wayne thank you for those who care! FREEHOUSE is open not closed and will be going under a geat transformation! so for the THOUSANDS of Mim fans stop in and say HI! for those who think they know the “dirt” well what can I say our words speak for themselves.