Winthrop’s John Ross named Encore Boston Harbor Executive Chef

Special to the Transcript

 Encore Boston Harbor is pleased to announce that culinary talent Chef John Ross of Winthrop has accepted the position of executive chef of Rare Steakhouse. Ross has been with Encore Boston Harbor since its opening in 2019.

Prior to joining the team at Rare, Ross was the executive chef of Oyster Bar and Waterfront, where he brought his experience and flair for imaginative and sumptuous seafood creations to the menu. Prior to joining Encore, Ross served as executive chef of the famed Neptune Oyster in Boston’s North End. It was there where Ross established himself as a beloved personality in the local culinary scene.

“Chef John Ross has been such an important member of the Encore Boston Harbor family and we are thrilled to have him take the helm of Rare Steakhouse, our celebrated steakhouse,” said Encore Boston Harbor President Brian Gullbrants. “His talent and culinary skills will continue to elevate menu and guest dining experience at Rare.”

Born and raised in North Carolina, Ross got an early start in the restaurant business bussing tables at the restaurant of a family friend through his teenage years. His love of the industry guided him to obtain degrees from the Culinary Institute of America and University of Nevada.

In 2006, John became executive sous chef and later executive chef for Blue Water Bistro in Naples, Florida, before starting The Alibi, a late-night sandwich restaurant in Miami that became an overnight success. Later, Ross moved to Boston to return to the fine dining environment that he loved. He held positions as sous chef for Sorellina and executive sous chef for The Painted Burro and Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant until he was offered the position of executive chef at Neptune Oyster. Under Ross’ stewardship, Neptune Oyster consistently ranked among the best seafood restaurants in Boston and was named “Best Seafood Restaurant 2015” by Boston Magazine.

In his free time, Ross is an avid cyclist and participant in the annual Pan-Mass Challenge and is a supporter of Share Our Strength. He lives in Winthrop with his wife and their two cats.

Rare is an upscale steakhouse featuring high-end and unique cuts of meat, an elevated seafood program, signature sides, hard-to-find bourbon and scotch selections, as well as a thoughtful offering of local distilled spirits and craft beers. Rare Steakhouse allows guests to experience authentic Japanese Wagyu, including Kobe from the Hyogo Prefecture, cut from 100 percent Tajima Cattle. American Wagyu is sourced from Snake River Farms in Idaho and several other cuts provided through an exclusive partnership with Pat LaFreida Meat Purveyors in New Jersey.

Rare Steakhouse is open Thursday from 5-10 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11 p.m. and Sundays from 5-10 p.m. Rare is located inside Encore Boston Harbor at 1 Broadway in Everett. There is complimentary self-parking available. Reservations can be made online or by calling 857-770-7000.