This is interesting and unexpected news: Eater reports that chef de cuisine Michael Gaines (previously Manresa) is out at ~CENTRAL KITCHEN~, just as the restaurant completes its third month. Chef-partner Thomas McNaughton spins it thusly: “He and I have been friends for eight years. He came on to help us with the opening and now we’re helping him get his own project off the ground.” Stand by for news on where the talented Gaines is appearing next.
Meanwhile, chef Lizzie Binder at ~BAR BAMBINO~ is on a “temporary hiatus” for about three months, according to Scoop. Eater chimes in with a rumor that Binder is appearing on Top Chef. Ben Robert (who has been at Bar Bambino for three years) and Tony Florian (previously Cotogna) are now co-chefs.
Central Kitchen courtyard photo by Christopher Michel (photo via Central Kitchen Facebook).
