A couple of items today in the way of chef changes and promotions: First off, David Kinch has named 26-year-old Jessica Largey his new chef de cuisine at Manresa. As the Chron reports this morning, and just on the heels of announcements about the restaurant’s upcoming tenth anniversary celebrations, Kinch has been grooming Largey for the role for some time. She takes on the role previously held by James Syhabout, Jeremy Fox, and John Paul Carmona, and along with newly installed pastry chef Stephanie Prida — who comes to the restaurant from Chicago’s L20 and Ria — Kinch says, “My kitchen is now 75% female, and I love it.”
As for the next steps for previous Chron Rising Star John Paul Carmona, stay tuned.
Then, over at Ame, Randy Lutz has been promoted to the position of executive chef. Lutz had previously been executive sous chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant, and prior to that served as chef de partie at Saison during its opening year. He’s already had his hand in crafting the spring menu at the restaurant, with the guidance of owner and opening chef Hiro Sone.
Thirdly, this week brings word that consulting pastry chef James Ormsby, who’s won a bunch of praise for his whimsical work at Bluestem Brasserie, is no longer involved with the restaurant. His desserts will remain on the menu for the time being, executed as they have been by Angelina Gamble in the Bluestem Kitchen. This news follows on the earlier announcement of the departure of opening chef Sean Canavan, who has not yet been replaced.
Jessica Largey in charge of Manresa kitchen [Chron]
James Ormsby parts ways with Bluestem Brasserie [Scoop]
Earlier: Michael Cimarusti, Jeremy Fox, and Others to Help Celebrate Manresa’s Tenth Anniversary
