Top Chef Alumni Newsletter

Another Top Chef Assumes An Executive Position in L.A.

Photo: Bravo

Here a Top Chef, there a Top Chef, everywhere another freakin’ Top Chef. Today, we learn that Downtown’s Water Grill has pushed Amanda Baumgarten into the executive chef position recently vacated by David LeFevre. A press release tells us there was a nationwide search to fill his shoes, but Baumgarten, who was sous-cheffing right under everyone’s noses, was the only candidate fit for the job. The restaurant will celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer and has a distinguished roster of alums who have ruled its kitchens, including Michael Cimarusti. As you may recall from our study of the chef before her season started, Baumgarten is a multi-faceted toughie won’t hesitate to blast when her head isn’t in The New Yorker. Her co-star on Top Chef D.C., Alex Reznik, recently joined Beverly Hill’s La Seine, meaning both L.A. chefs from the last season have joined Marcel, Michael Voltaggio, Stefan Richter, Fabio, Jamie Lauren, Danielle Keene, and Ilan Hall in working in L.A. Next looms a possible project called Avec Moi from Top Chef’s Elia Aboumrad.

Another Top Chef Assumes An Executive Position in L.A.