We reported earlier on the nasty chef shuffle that went down at Chez TJ last month, in which exec Bruno Chemel walked out along with much of the staff. The Chron now reports that Chemel’s replacement, Hawaiian-born Scott Nishiyama (formerly of NY’s Daniel, Yoshi’s, and the French Laundry) has been on deck since New Year’s Eve and has already instated a new eight-course tasting menu in a French-California vein.
Under former executive chef Christopher Kostow (now at Meadowood), Mountain View’s Chez TJ earned its two stars in the 2008 Michelin Guide. However, with the release of the 2010 guide last summer, the restaurant lost one of its stars, and in the tense aftermath owner George Aviet said Chemel was “incapable of earning two [Michelin] stars.” New guy Nishiyama admits, “There are lots of expectations. We’d like to carry on the legacy.” But he’s under-promising right now and focusing on “pleasing the customers.” Whatever, dude. You’re screwed if that star doesn’t reappear come August.
Michelin-Starred Chez TJ Gets SF Chef [Chron]
EARLIER: Chef Shuffle Turns Nasty at Chez TJ [Grub Street]
Michelin: Lack of Consistency Cost Mina His Star [Grub Street]
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