Chef Shuffle

Chef Shuffle Turns Nasty at Chez TJ

Bruno Chemel
Bruno Chemel Photo: Courtesy Chez TJ

Some serious back-of-house drama is going down at Mountain View’s Michelin-starred Chez TJ, as chef Bruno Chemel announced he’s leaving the restaurant while owner George Aviet suggested he steer clear of the door on the way out. The chef claims he’s heading for a “better opportunity,” according to the Mercury News, but Aviet told the paper otherwise: “He’s incapable of earning two stars,” Aviet said. “I need to get on with somebody who is going to earn that second star.” Chez TJ did bang the Michelin two-star gong under Chris Kostow, but he’s of course moved on to Meadowood. Now Aviet is working with chef recruiter Foley & Fitzgerald and reportedly has a candidate in mind. Care to hazard a guess at who it might be?

Michelin star dust-up at Mountain View’s Chez TJ [SJ Mercury News]

Chef Shuffle Turns Nasty at Chez TJ