'Chopped' Winner To Close His Italian Eatery In Forest Hills

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS -- The second season winner of Food Network's hit TV show "Chopped" announced plans on Wednesday to close his Italian eatery in Forest Hills and search for a new location after four years in the neighborhood.

Landlord problems, neighborhood changes and slow business fueled Jason Zukas' decision to move his restaurant, Tazzina, out of its longtime spot at 102-15 Metropolitan Ave., the "Chopped" star said in an emotional Facebook post to the eatery's "loyal customers, family and friends."

The restaurant's last day will be June 30.

"It’s with a heavy heart that I have to announce the closing of Tazzina Forest Hills," the post read. "Between the neighborhood changing, huge problems with the landlord and business being slow I have decided to close and look for a new location."

Zukas did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

The restaurant's Facebook post went on to thank customers for their patronage and "all of the amazing memories" had at the eatery since it opened in Forest Hills in 2014.

"We’ve had some great times in these 4 years here and made so many new friends," Zukas wrote.

Zukas, a Brooklyn-born, Queens-bred chef, forewent culinary school and instead learned cook by working kitchen jobs in upscale Manhattan restaurants and abroad in Mexico, the Carribean and Europe, according to his website bio. He was executive chef of the West Village's Charles before landing a spot on "Chopped" in 2009.

Shortly after his TV stint, Zukas returned to Queens in January 2011 to open Tazzina on 88th Street in Glendale before eventually moving the eatery to Forest Hills.

His travels abroad inspired Tazzina's menu of Italian pasta and Mediterranean-style dishes, which the restaurant offers alongside specialty cocktails and desserts. The eatery offers a popular Prix Fixe menu on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays where patrons can get three courses for $30.

Zukas invited customers to join Tazzina for a a goodbye meal before the restaurant shutters later this month, but said he hoped to have a new location.

"This is not the end of Tazzina, just a little time out until I find the right spot again," Zukas wrote. "Tazzina...still has so much life in her. We'll be back soon better than ever!"

(Lead photo via Google Maps/November 2017)