Latest news with #Publican
Eater
14-07-2025
- Business
- Eater
The Publican, Seeking a Spark, Brings In a New Chef With a Familiar Name
While living in New York as a line cook, Rob Levitt remembers the buzz surrounding the Publican when it opened 18 years ago, reading about Paul Kahan's ethos in Food & Wine, learning about the chef's dedication to sourcing the best ingredients and allowing them to shine through via simple preparation. Now, nearly two decades later, Levitt finds himself in charge of the fabled restaurant's kitchen as the Publican's new executive chef. 'I staged at Avec. I staged at Blackbird,' Levitt says. 'So when I got the job across the street [at Publican Quality Meats], it was a big deal to me. You know, I often joke that it was like I was that triple-A ballplayer that has been just crushing triple-A for the longest time, and I finally got called up to the majors.' The Publican is one of Chicago's most influential restaurants. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago The dining room at Publican. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago Rob Levitt is taking over as Publican's executive chef. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago Levitt, one of the city's best butchers, began rolling out new menus at the Publican more than a month ago as he continues to oversee One Off Hospitality's sibling restaurant across the street, Publican Quality Meats. Levitt joined Publican Quality Meats six years ago, revamping the menu with sandwiches while bringing his lauded sausage-making skills to Fulton Market. He began hosting a dinner series at the butcher shop last year and impressed Kahan and company enough that this spring, they asked if he was interested in taking over the original restaurant. Levitt calls it a 'full circle moment.' The Publican, one of Chicago's most influential restaurants, planted its flag in a still-developing Fulton Market in 2008, all while raising expectations for Chicago restaurants and earning national accolades. That same year, Levitt and his wife, Allison, opened a Bucktown restaurant called Mado, before moving on to Butcher & Larder where he worked up until moving to Publican Quality Meats in 2019. The two restaurants shared similar philosophies. With that in mind, Levitt says he wants to return the Publican to its roots. 'What made the Publican so great from the beginning is that the focus has always been on finding the best possible products and cooking them simply and adding some kind of little twist that makes it interesting,' Levitt says. 'And I know that that's a bit of a trope at this point, but it's a trope partially because the Publican did it at a time when nobody else was doing it.' Rob Levitt wants to keep the food simple. The Publican Whole trout. The Publican A charcuterie dish, like this ham, will always be available to showcase the process it takes to make fine meats. The Publican Peas are in season for about a week or two more. The Publican Mado couldn't replicate the Publican's success — Levitt shared some of the frustrations with a wider audience when he appeared in Season 2 of The Bear. A modern twist on a beer hall, the Publican tied itself to a trifecta of pillars: beer, pork, and oysters. But as development in Fulton Market exploded, the Publican inched closer to becoming another face in the crowd. While craft beer sales sag nationally, Levitt maintains that beer remains a core part of the Publican with a dynamite selection. And One Off hasn't remained stagnant, over the years; Levitt points out, there's been a focus on improving the cocktails and giving the restaurant a shot in the arm it needs to succeed with more restaurants in the area competing for business. 'To me, that is part of the evolution. In the old days, it was oysters, pork, and beer, and then we evolved into that same mentality toward seafood and that same mentality towards vegetables,' he says. 'Now we're trying to just reenergize it.' Rob Levitt started working at Publican Quality Meats six years ago. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago Levitt took over the menu at the Publican a few weeks ago. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago The menu is constantly changing, but Levitt talks about using ivory king salmon, a fish rarely seen in Chicago. He's using short ribs procured from Publican Quality Meats and braising them with cherry beer, shallots, and sweet cherries. Whole trout comes with a buttermilk vinaigrette with salad of cherry tomatoes, lobster, charred Tropea onions, and cucumbers. Crispy whole spring onions show a creative way of cooking vegetarian dishes. Levitt is mindful of the Publican's legacy, but he's also aware that restaurants, even legendary ones, need to embrace change to survive. He mentions Canlis in Seattle, which has recently tweaked its formula by elevating a new chef from within its kitchen. Levitt is thankful for One Off's support with industry legends like Kahan, Donnie Madia, chef Brian Huston, and chef Perry Hendrix. He's particularly fond of his interactions with Kahan, who will text him when he's excited to see how a specific ingredient would look on the Publican's menu. 'It's the most amazing feeling to get a text message from Paul Kahan that says, 'hey, garlic scapes are in season, we should buy a bunch,'' Levitt says. Eater Chicago All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bypassing China's critical minerals export ban: US buyers re-routing shipments via Mexico, Thailand, says report
A sharp rise in US-bound shipments of antimony from Thailand and Mexico has reportedly emerged since China imposed export curbs last year, highlighting how global supply chains are being re-routed to work around geopolitical restrictions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to customs and shipping data reviewed by Reuters, more than 3,800 metric tons of antimony oxides were imported into the United States from the two countries between December 2024 and April 2025 — more than the total volume brought in over the previous three years combined. Antimony, used in batteries, semiconductors and flame retardants, is among the minerals — along with gallium and germanium — that Beijing blocked from reaching the US in December following Washington's crackdown on China's chip industry. The disruption has left the global market scrambling for alternatives, and the data suggests a redirection of Chinese-origin materials through third countries. 'Trade flows are being restructured, but we're still seeing the same underlying sources,' said Ram Ben Tzion, CEO of shipping intelligence firm Publican according to the Reuters report. He noted clear signs of transshipment patterns, though current trade records don't identify the original source material in all cases. The re-routing comes even as Chinese authorities have acknowledged loopholes. In May, the country's commerce ministry said foreign players had 'colluded with domestic lawbreakers' to bypass the restrictions, adding that curbing such activities was vital to national security. It did not respond to further questions about recent trends. Meanwhile, US law does not prohibit imports of Chinese-origin antimony, gallium or germanium, provided they arrive through licensed intermediaries in other countries. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One US buyer, Gallant Metals CEO Levi Parker quoted in the report, described the workaround process in detail: Chinese producers sell the material to buying agents, who then ship it through another Asian country under false labels such as iron or art supplies. 'I'd prefer to buy 500 kg per month, but large shipments invite attention,' Parker told Reuters, adding that Chinese logistics firms remain cautious due to the risks. Thai and Mexican exports of antimony to the US have soared since the ban. According to Chinese customs data through May, the two countries have vaulted into the top three destinations for Chinese antimony — despite each having just one smelter and no significant domestic mining output. Mexico's only smelter resumed operations as recently as April. Among the top exporters is Thai Unipet Industries, a local subsidiary of Chinese antimony producer Youngsun Chemicals. Data from trade platforms ImportYeti and Export Genius shows Unipet sent at least 3,366 tons of antimony-based products to the US between December and May — nearly 27 times its volume over the same period a year earlier. The shipment documents name Unipet as the exporter and Texas-based Youngsun & Essen — a previous direct buyer from China — as the importer. However, Reuters was unable to confirm the origin of the raw material. Unipet did not respond to calls or emails, and Youngsun Chemicals and Youngsun & Essen also did not reply to requests for comment. China launched a new enforcement drive in May aimed at halting illegal mineral transshipment. Offenders can face heavy penalties, including bans and even jail time for severe violations. Chinese law also extends enforcement beyond its borders — companies failing to verify the end use of restricted exports can be prosecuted, said James Hsiao, partner at law firm White & Case. Despite the clampdown, the lure of high overseas prices is keeping the unofficial flow of materials alive. With demand for gallium, germanium and antimony surging, prices for all three minerals have climbed to record highs. 'Having policies on paper is one thing, but actually enforcing them on the ground is an entirely different matter,' said Ben Tzion, quoted Reuters.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
How US buyers work around China's mineral ban
BEIJING: Unusually large quantities of antimony – a metal used in batteries, chips and flame retardants – have poured into the US from Thailand and Mexico since China barred US shipments last year, according to customs and shipping records, which show at least one Chinese-owned company is involved in the trade. China dominates the supply of antimony as well as gallium and germanium, used in telecommunications, semiconductors and military technology. Beijing banned exports of these minerals to the US on Dec 3 following Washington's crackdown on China's chip sector. The resulting shift in trade flows underscores the scramble for critical minerals and China's struggle to enforce its curbs as it vies with the US for economic, military and technological supremacy. Specifically, trade data illustrate a re-routing of US shipments via third countries – an issue Chinese officials have acknowledged. Three industry experts corroborated that assessment, including two executives at two US companies who told Reuters they had obtained restricted minerals from China in recent months. The US imported 3,834 metric tons of antimony oxides from Thailand and Mexico between December and April, US customs data show. That was more than almost the previous three years combined. Thailand and Mexico, meanwhile, shot into the top three export markets for Chinese antimony this year, according to Chinese customs data through May. Neither made the top 10 in 2023, the last full year before Beijing restricted exports. Thailand and Mexico each have a single antimony smelter, according to consultancy RFC Ambrian, and the latter's only reopened in April. Neither country mines meaningful quantities of the metal. US imports of antimony, gallium and germanium this year are on track to equal or exceed levels before the ban, albeit at higher prices. Ram Ben Tzion, co-founder and CEO of digital shipment-vetting platform Publican, said that while there was clear evidence of transshipment, trade data didn't enable the identification of companies involved. 'It's a pattern that we're seeing and that pattern is consistent,' he told Reuters. Chinese companies, he added, were 'super creative in bypassing regulations.' China's Commerce Ministry said in May that unspecified overseas entities had 'colluded with domestic lawbreakers' to evade its export restrictions, and that stopping such activity was essential to national security. It didn't respond to Reuters questions about the shift in trade flows since December. The US Commerce Department, Thailand's commerce ministry and Mexico's economy ministry didn't respond to similar questions. US law doesn't bar American buyers from purchasing Chinese-origin antimony, gallium or germanium. Chinese firms can ship the minerals to countries other than the US if they have a licence. Levi Parker, CEO and founder of US– based Gallant Metals, told Reuters how he obtains about 200kg of gallium a month from China, without identifying the parties involved due to the potential repercussions. First, buying agents in China obtain material from producers. Then, a shipping company routes the packages, re-labelled variously as iron, zinc or art supplies, via another Asian country, he said. The workarounds aren't perfect, nor cheap, Parker said. He said he would like to import 500kg regularly but big shipments risked drawing scrutiny, and Chinese logistics firms were 'very careful' because of the risks. Thai Unipet Industries, a Thailand-based subsidiary of Chinese antimony producer Youngsun Chemicals, has been doing brisk trade with the US in recent months, previously unreported shipping records reviewed by Reuters show.
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
How US buyers of critical minerals bypass China's export ban
Unusually large quantities of antimony - a metal used in batteries, chips and flame retardants - have poured into the United States from Thailand and Mexico since China barred U.S. shipments last year, according to customs and shipping records, which show at least one Chinese-owned company is involved in the trade. China dominates the supply of antimony as well as gallium and germanium, used in telecommunications, semiconductors and military technology. Beijing banned exports of these minerals to the U.S. on December 3 following Washington's crackdown on China's chip sector. The resulting shift in trade flows underscores the scramble for critical minerals and China's struggle to enforce its curbs as it vies with the U.S. for economic, military and technological supremacy. Specifically, trade data illustrate a re-routing of U.S. shipments via third countries - an issue Chinese officials have acknowledged. Three industry experts corroborated that assessment, including two executives at two U.S. companies who told Reuters they had obtained restricted minerals from China in recent months. The U.S. imported 3,834 metric tons of antimony oxides from Thailand and Mexico between December and April, U.S. customs data show. That was more than almost the previous three years combined. Thailand and Mexico, meanwhile, shot into the top three export markets for Chinese antimony this year, according to Chinese customs data through May. Neither made the top 10 in 2023, the last full year before Beijing restricted exports. Thailand and Mexico each have a single antimony smelter, according to consultancy RFC Ambrian, and the latter's only reopened in April. Neither country mines meaningful quantities of the metal. U.S. imports of antimony, gallium and germanium this year are on track to equal or exceed levels before the ban, albeit at higher prices. Ram Ben Tzion, co-founder and CEO of digital shipment-vetting platform Publican, said that while there was clear evidence of transshipment, trade data didn't enable the identification of companies involved. "It's a pattern that we're seeing and that pattern is consistent," he told Reuters. Chinese companies, he added, were "super creative in bypassing regulations." China's Commerce Ministry said in May that unspecified overseas entities had "colluded with domestic lawbreakers" to evade its export restrictions, and that stopping such activity was essential to national security. It didn't respond to Reuters questions about the shift in trade flows since December. The U.S. Commerce Department, Thailand's commerce ministry and Mexico's economy ministry didn't respond to similar questions. U.S. law doesn't bar American buyers from purchasing Chinese-origin antimony, gallium or germanium. Chinese firms can ship the minerals to countries other than the U.S. if they have a license. Levi Parker, CEO and founder of U.S.-based Gallant Metals, told Reuters how he obtains about 200 kg of gallium a month from China, without identifying the parties involved due to the potential repercussions. First, buying agents in China obtain material from producers. Then, a shipping company routes the packages, re-labelled variously as iron, zinc or art supplies, via another Asian country, he said. The workarounds aren't perfect, nor cheap, Parker said. He said he would like to import 500 kg regularly but big shipments risked drawing scrutiny, and Chinese logistics firms were "very careful" because of the risks. BRISK TRADE Thai Unipet Industries, a Thailand-based subsidiary of Chinese antimony producer Youngsun Chemicals, has been doing brisk trade with the U.S. in recent months, previously unreported shipping records reviewed by Reuters show. Unipet shipped at least 3,366 tons of antimony products from Thailand to the U.S. between December and May, according to 36 bills of lading recorded by trade platforms ImportYeti and Export Genius. That was around 27 times the volume Unipet shipped in the same period a year earlier. The records list the cargo, parties involved, and ports of origin and receipt, but not necessarily the origin of the raw material. They don't indicate specific evidence of transshipment. Thai Unipet couldn't be reached for comment. When Reuters called a number listed for the company on one of the shipping records, a person who answered said the number didn't belong to Unipet. Reuters mailed questions to Unipet's registered address but received no response. Unipet's parent, Youngsun Chemicals, didn't respond to questions about the U.S. shipments. The buyer of Unipet's U.S. shipments was Texas-based Youngsun & Essen, which before Beijing's ban imported most of its antimony trioxide from Youngsun Chemicals. Neither Youngsun & Essen nor its president, Jimmy Song, responded to questions about the imports. China launched a campaign in May against the transshipment and smuggling of critical minerals. Offenders can face fines and bans on future exports. Serious cases can also be treated as smuggling, and result in jail terms of more than five years, James Hsiao, a Hong Kong-based partner at law firm White & Case, told Reuters. The laws apply to Chinese firms even where transactions take place abroad, he said. In cases of transshipment, Chinese authorities can prosecute sellers that fail to conduct sufficient due diligence to determine the end user, Hsiao added. Yet for anyone willing to take the risk, big profits are available overseas, where shortages have sent prices for gallium, germanium and antimony to records. The three minerals were already subject to export licensing controls when China banned exports to the U.S. China's exports of antimony and germanium are still below levels hit before the restrictions, according to Chinese customs data. Beijing now faces a challenge to ensure its export-control regime has teeth, said Ben Tzion. "While having all these policies in place, their enforcement is a completely different scenario," he said.
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
How US buyers of critical minerals bypass China's export ban
BEIJING: Unusually large quantities of antimony - a metal used in batteries, chips and flame retardants - have poured into the United States from Thailand and Mexico since China barred U.S. shipments last year, according to customs and shipping records, which show at least one Chinese-owned company is involved in the trade. China dominates the supply of antimony as well as gallium and germanium, used in telecommunications, semiconductors and military technology. Beijing banned exports of these minerals to the U.S. on December 3 following Washington's crackdown on China's chip sector. The resulting shift in trade flows underscores the scramble for critical minerals and China's struggle to enforce its curbs as it vies with the U.S. for economic, military and technological supremacy. Specifically, trade data illustrate a re-routing of U.S. shipments via third countries - an issue Chinese officials have acknowledged. Three industry experts corroborated that assessment, including two executives at two U.S. companies who told Reuters they had obtained restricted minerals from China in recent months. The U.S. imported 3,834 metric tons of antimony oxides from Thailand and Mexico between December and April, U.S. customs data show. That was more than almost the previous three years combined. Thailand and Mexico, meanwhile, shot into the top three export markets for Chinese antimony this year, according to Chinese customs data through May. Neither made the top 10 in 2023, the last full year before Beijing restricted exports. Thailand and Mexico each have a single antimony smelter, according to consultancy RFC Ambrian, and the latter's only reopened in April. Neither country mines meaningful quantities of the metal. U.S. imports of antimony, gallium and germanium this year are on track to equal or exceed levels before the ban, albeit at higher prices. Ram Ben Tzion, co-founder and CEO of digital shipment-vetting platform Publican, said that while there was clear evidence of transshipment, trade data didn't enable the identification of companies involved. 'It's a pattern that we're seeing and that pattern is consistent,' he told Reuters. Chinese companies, he added, were 'super creative in bypassing regulations.' China's Commerce Ministry said in May that unspecified overseas entities had 'colluded with domestic lawbreakers' to evade its export restrictions, and that stopping such activity was essential to national security. It didn't respond to Reuters questions about the shift in trade flows since December. The U.S. Commerce Department, Thailand's commerce ministry and Mexico's economy ministry didn't respond to similar questions. U.S. law doesn't bar American buyers from purchasing Chinese-origin antimony, gallium or germanium. Chinese firms can ship the minerals to countries other than the U.S. if they have a license. Levi Parker, CEO and founder of U.S.-based Gallant Metals, told Reuters how he obtains about 200 kg of gallium a month from China, without identifying the parties involved due to the potential repercussions. The workarounds aren't perfect, nor cheap, Parker said. He said he would like to import 500 kg regularly but big shipments risked drawing scrutiny, and Chinese logistics firms were 'very careful' because of the potential repercussions. Brisk trade Thai Unipet Industries, a Thailand-based subsidiary of Chinese antimony producer Youngsun Chemicals, has been doing brisk trade with the U.S. in recent months, previously unreported shipping records reviewed by Reuters show. Unipet shipped at least 3,366 tons of antimony products from Thailand to the U.S. between December and May, according to 36 bills of lading recorded by trade platforms ImportYeti and Export Genius. That was around 27 times the volume Unipet shipped in the same period a year earlier. The records list the cargo, parties involved, and ports of origin and receipt, but not necessarily the origin of the raw material. They don't indicate specific evidence of transshipment. Thai Unipet couldn't be reached for comment. When Reuters called a number listed for the company on one of the shipping records, a person who answered said the number didn't belong to Unipet. Reuters mailed questions to Unipet's registered address but received no response. Unipet's parent, Youngsun Chemicals, didn't respond to questions about the U.S. shipments. The buyer of Unipet's U.S. shipments was Texas-based Youngsun & Essen, which before Beijing's ban imported most of its antimony trioxide from Youngsun Chemicals. Neither Youngsun & Essen nor its president, Jimmy Song, responded to questions about the imports. China launched a campaign in May against the transshipment and smuggling of critical minerals. Offenders can face fines and bans on future exports. Serious cases can also be treated as smuggling, and result in jail terms of more than five years, James Hsiao, a Hong Kong-based partner at law firm White & Case, told Reuters. The laws apply to Chinese firms even where transactions take place abroad, he said. In cases of transshipment, Chinese authorities can prosecute sellers that fail to conduct sufficient due diligence to determine the end user, Hsiao added. China bans export of key minerals to US as trade frictions escalate Yet for anyone willing to take the risk, big profits are available overseas, where shortages have sent prices for gallium, germanium and antimony to records. The three minerals were already subject to export licensing controls when China banned exports to the U.S. China's exports of antimony and germanium are still below levels hit before the restrictions, according to Chinese customs data. Beijing now faces a challenge to ensure its export-control regime has teeth, said Ben Tzion. 'While having all these policies in place, their enforcement is a completely different scenario,' he said.
