With a fresh look and perspective, Des Moines' Proof Restaurant is reopening Aug. 31

Brian Taylor Carlson
The Des Moines Register

With a new look and a fresh perspective, Proof Restaurant is reopening its doors on Aug. 31.

Proof Restaurant, at 1301 Locust St. and specializing in Mediterranean-American cuisine, recently announced its relaunch under the culinary leadership of three chefs tutored by former chef-owner of Proof, Sean Wilson.

The popular eatery will resume regular service hours and days the following week beginning on September 3. 

More:Chef Sean Wilson of Proof is hanging up his chef coat and stepping away from the kitchen

More:Chef Sean Wilson of Proof takes on new role as head superhero for Justice League of Food

Proof, 1301 Locust St, in Des Moines, Iowa, Wednesday, June 29, 2017.

Today, Proof is focused on building a menu that continues the legacy of Chef Sean Wilson and the food experience he delivered to diners for over seven years.

“The culinary legacy of Proof will be continued under the guidance of three amazing chefs, all proteges of Chef Sean Wilson,” said Jared Giunta, general manager. “We all have watched these three talents over the past years and could not be more excited to have them continue the culinary excellence of Proof.”

Jared Giunta, a bartender at Proof restaurant in Des Moines, says there is a story behind his signature cocktails.

The culinary team includes:

  • Chef de Patisserie: Megan Snyder who has served the longest under Chef Wilson and in the 2018 Culinary Fight Night Summer Series Champion.
  • Sous Chef: Jaydon Hernandez, after two years at Django, Jaydon Hernandez is returning to his post as Sous Chef at Proof. 
  • Executive Chef: Diego Rodriguez who has served as sous chef at Proof for the past year. Executive Chef Rodriguez is the most recent prodigy of Chef Wilson.

“Proof’s food and the experience we strive to bring to our diners has always been about stories shared around the table," said executive chef, Diego Rodriguez. "The memories connected to each plate and how cuisine connected to a time and place offers the most delicious results.”

Over the past few weeks, renovations were made to elevate diners' experience, along with repairs made to the infrastructure of the restaurant.

Proof Restaurant was recognized as Time Magazine’s “Best Restaurant in Iowa” for the past two years.

Proof, the restaurant from Sean Wilson, hosted former "Top Chef" Kevin Gillespie on Thursday night.

“This perspective affords us the freedom to bring our own stories to the food," Rodriguez said. "This is what modern New American cuisine is all about. No boundaries. No need to define ourselves in the traditional sense. We just want to keep making delicious food that continues to surprise our guests with a new experience to hold and remember.”

Proof Restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are being accepted at www.proofrestaurant.com or (515) 244-0655.