Richardson Taco Shop TacQui, Now Open, Comes From Top Chef Charged With Assault

Chef Paul Qui is aware that attaching his famous name to a restaurant may deter diners.The James Beard Award honoree and winner of the ninth season of Top Chef was arrested and charged with assaulting his then-girlfriend in March 2016.Police said Qui had blood on his face, arms, legs and clothing when they arrived at the Austin apartment where the couple lived. Blood was also smeared on the walls and floors, and his girlfriend was crying on the couch and clutching her son, an affidavit says. She reportedly had a swollen jaw and a cut and bruising on her arms from being grabbed and thrown.Qui was awaiting trial on charges of misdemeanor assault and unlawful restraint, but prosecutors said in late April they would be dropped. That same week his new Japanese taco shop, TacQui, had its soft opening in Richardson.The case has "been affecting my business for three years," Qui says. "I'm not discounting what had happened, but every time my name comes up, it's negative."  Continue reading...