Jake Gyllenhaal is in love and using his new lease on life to expand his empire (or at least pad his wallet).
Life & Style is reporting that the actor is developing a new organic restaurant venture with celebrity chef Chris Fischer.
According to the magazine, Gyllenhaal’s first passion has always been food and his actress sister Maggie professes that her sibling is “one of the best chefs ever.”
Apparently, the 27-year-old Hollywood hottie made a promise to friends that he would open a restaurant if his acting career didn’t take off by the time he was 30. As it turns out Gyllenhaal’s success at acting has made it possible for him to do both.
Gyllenhaal’s first public cooking debut came on Food Network’s Molto Mario. He was a regular on the celeb chef Mario Batali’s former hit show for years and according to reports, Batali is the one who pushed Gyllenhaal to open the new restaurant.
Life & Style magazine says Gyllenhaal and pal Fischer are looking at real estate in Los Angeles for their new eatery. In addition, reports suggest the actor is planning a summer vacation cycling and eating tour of Tuscany, Italy with his girlfriend Reese Witherspoon – to seek inspiration for his new restaurant.
And speaking of his ladylove PEOPLE magazine is reporting that Gyllenhaal’s relationship with the Oscar winner is heating up.
The actor’s producer pal Ryan Kavanaugh recently told the magazine that Gyllenhaal is “completely devoted to [Reese] and really loves her.”
No word on whether Gyllenhaal will convince Witherspoon to roll up her sleeves and help out with his latest venture. However, if he does commit to opening his “green” eatery he won’t be the first Hollywood star to go into the restaurant business. Justin Timberlake, Morgan Freeman, Sandra Bullock, Jeri Ryan, Ashton Kutcher and Danny DeVito are just some of the celebrities who have tasted success as restaurateurs.