Chef Shuffles

Francis Derby Leaves King

No more burgundy snails.
No more burgundy snails. Photo: Benjamin Park/New York Magazine

Just the other week, Grub Street had the pleasure of sampling the cooking Francis Derby (a veteran of Momofuku and wd~50) has been doing at King: fare like pig’s-head terrine, beer-battered snails, and a darn good burger. So it’s a shocker to learn today via Gael Greene that the toque has left the restaurant — “walked out,” as she puts it (and right after her positive review dropped). The toque told Greene, “I never got the support I needed for the kind of food I do.” Derby and his talent are reportedly at large with no immediate plans, so keep your eye on this one. [Insatiable Critic]

Francis Derby Leaves King