Chef Shuffles

New Chefs at Minestraio and Riveria Keep Close to Home

Gino Angelini grilling lamb chops
Gino Angelini grilling lamb chops Photo: Hadley Tomicki

Some recent chef shuffles have come to our attention. Gino Angelini sends word that he’s working with chef Romina Palmieri at the head chef position in the kitchen of Minestraio Trattoria. Palmieri was last the lunch chef at Angelini Osteria and before that, sous chef at Angelini’s La Terza. Minestraio is following the course we’ve seen a lot of restaurants take recently, announcing a “makeover,” complete with, yup, an embrace of small plates! There’s a happy hour with four-to-eight dollar dishes, plus sports games on the tube. Recalling Angelini’s lamb chops as the best bite we tasted at AWFF, we think it could be a score.

In Palm Springs, Riviera Resort and Spa has put an acclaimed chef in “charge of all culinary operations” at its various restaurants and catering facilities, and he’s one of Southern California’s own. Bradley Manchester was last at Chicago’s boutique Wit Hotel. The property lets us know he’s worked with everyone from Gary Danko and Alex Stratta to Bradley Ogden and chefs at The George V in Paris. But his first cuts in the kitchen go back to helping mom and dad out at Manhattan’s in San Diego. While we’re sure they’re happy to have him back, the news might be good for steak lovers too, as Manchester will oversee the resort’s steakhouse, Circa 59, and has a resume featuring Envy’s in Vegas.

New Chefs at Minestraio and Riveria Keep Close to Home