Rumors swirling within the industry have Chef Akthar Nawab slated to take over the kitchen at a very popular downtown Mexican eatery. Which begs the question, "what about Zengo?" True, Zengo’s early populace reviews on the internet and word-of-mouth have been mixed at best, but even the most insightful, jaded veterans of the industry are raising their eyebrows over a move that practically takes transience to a whole new level. And let’s never mind the head scratching over why this particular downtown "classic" Mexican eatery (which remains one of the hottest spots in town despite its persistent lack of a boldface-worthy chef) would court a media darling like Nawab in the first place. Some insiders speculate its plans to expand by opening its first offshoot in Miami (ambitiously but tentatively scheduled for the next Art Basel) may have something to do with its new foodieblog-gratifying outlook, but others insist Nawab’s superficial popularity has little or nothing to do with this latest (alleged) development, noting, "he’s just a downtown dude… ya know… with friends in the restaurant." And still others feel fit to surmise the Miami location’s impending opening is still very much on precarious footing anyway, as potential investors continue to engage in the ol’ Subsidizers’ Shuffle.
[But, on a semi-related note: this famous Mexican restaurant is said to be aggressively advancing on its goal to establish a new Jamaican counterpart.]
Whatever? We’re just sayin’.
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Salman Rushdie hearts PX This – The Revised Edition by abbe diaz
Chef John deLucie of the famous Waverly Inn cooked papardelle with roasted butternut squash and mushrooms at Bloomingdales on Lexington Ave, and you totally missed it. Doesn’t he look cute?
By the way, have you read The Hunger yet? What are you waiting for?
"It’s been a remarkable year, but I have decided to continue pursuing my culinary education abroad," says Executive Chef Leah Cohen. So far, cursory plans include possible months-long stints in Spain, Italy, and Asia to further enhance her knowledge and technique, "I am very thankful for the opportunities that Sasha Muniak and his team have given me, but I do feel that now is an opportune moment to travel and study and continue to develop myself into a more well rounded chef."
"We are very proud of Leah and what she has accomplished for both herself and the restaurant," adds proprietor Muniak, "I have no doubt Leah’s enthusiasm in furthering her education will benefit her and her career immensely."
Current sous chef Richard Furey (formerly of The Grand Hotel Amrâth, Amsterdam) will take over control of the kitchen. "It’s been my experience that in transitional phases such as this, it’s best to prevent disruption in the kitchen as much as possible. I’ve been very happy with the success of Leah Cohen rising up from sous chef under Anne Burrell, and with Saul Montiel (Gusto Ristorante) taking over the kitchen after his ample experience as sous under both Jody Williams and Amanda Freitag."
Muniak further remarks, "Leah Cohen was very much in demand after her appearance on Top Chef. The team very capably handled her absence while she was called away to represent Centro Vinoteca in both off-site events and TV appearances. I am confident Richard and the team will competently live up to their new challenge."
= "personne extraordinaire"