Chef Shuffle

Laurent Gras Leaving L20 Permanently, Headed Back to New York

This is really sad. There were some hopeful signs that Laurent Gras might return to Chicago after L2O won three Michelin stars, but it turns out he’s leaving for good. Talking with Food and Wine, Gras said, “I love L2O and am very proud of everything we achieved there. But [owner] Rich Melman and I have always had different points of view on L2O. In July, we talked about changes he wanted to make, and for me, these changes would alter the character of L2O and ultimately make it a different experience.” Melman told us yesterday about some of those differences, and seemed committed to the restaurant without Gras. According to Food and Wine, Gras will be moving back to New York to start a new project there. Unfortunately for us, one of the best chefs in the country won’t be calling Chicago home. [Food and Wine via Eater]

Laurent Gras Leaving L20 Permanently, Headed Back to New York