Grant Achatz's Next Challenge

We've been out this afternoon, unable to check our inbox until recently. We saw this and corresponding reports from others.

This afternoon, Alinea Chef Grant Achatz released the following statement through his publicist:

I wanted to personally report that I have been very recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. I have consulted several prominent physicians and will likely begin aggressive treatment within the next few weeks. I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible. Alinea will continue to perform at the level people have come to expect from us — I insist on that. I have received amazing support from friends, family, and everyone who has thus far been told of the disease, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free, recovery.

Chicagoist wishes Chef Achatz a speedy and full recovery.