More Dallas Chefs Are Switching Kitchens

Dallas chefs as a whole seem to be suffering from a severe case of ants in the (black and white checked) pants lately. The new restaurants at One Arts Plaza have seemingly participated in a chef's game of musical chairs, and now word comes that critically acclaimed chef Andre Natera (recently named one of the best chefs in the city by Leslie Brenner) has left The Fairmont and its Pyramid Restaurant. According to Escape Hatch, Natera cites a desire to "spend time with his family" as his reason for leaving. (Natera drew much praise for restoring luster to the forty year old restaurant with a focus on local ingredients, including those sourced from a greenhouse and bee hives on the hotel's rooftop.)

CraveDFW also reports that TJ Lengnick of Plano's Whiskey Cake has moved on to Stephan Pyles. Lengnick's replacement is Scott Townend, who was originally intended to be the chef at Hotel Lumen's recently opened The Front Room: A Park Cities Diner. (Graham Dodds of Central 214 filled in at The Front Room until they secured Nick Amoriello, formerly of the Meddlesome Moth.)

Who will be the next big-name chef to make a move? (Psst: Hattie's is looking for a new kitchen leader.)

· More Chefs on the Move in Dallas [CraveDFW]
· Chef Andre Natera Gone From The Fairmont Pyramid Restaurant [Escape Hatch Dallas]
· All Chef Shuffle coverage on Eater Dallas [-EDFW-]

Chef Andre Natera. [Photo credit: Robert Bostick/Pegasus News]