Private Social Has a New Chef, Najat Kanaache

McKinney Avenue hotspot Private Social recently witnessed the departure of its executive chef, Dallas darling and former Top Chef Tiffany Derry, who's moved on to pursue other projects. Now Morning News critic Leslie Brenner reports that new talent has been chosen to head up the kitchen — Najat Kanaache, aka the "Pilgrim Chef":

Her website describes her as "the most important female chef of the future," though it does not mention that she has ever been in charge of any restaurant kitchen. She has, according to her bio, has staged with some of the most talented chefs in the world, including Ferran Adria, Thomas Keller, Grant Achatz, Rene Redzepi, Juan Mari Arzak, Martin Berasategui and Heston Blumenthal. And she does have some Dallas experience: She helped Stephan Pyles open Stampede 66.

Kanaache's website also touts her as a "Flavor and Formulations Expert", says she is "frequently likened to another creative artist, Frida Kahlo", and notes that she is "one of few recipients of the auspicious Master of Culinary Science degree created by Ferran Adria in collaboration with University of Barcelona".

Private Social is currently closed for regrouping and will reopen Monday with Kanaache on board.

· Najat Kaanache, the "Pilgrim Chef," is the new top toque at Private Social [Eats Blog]
· Najat Kanaache [Official]
· More Private Social coverage on Eater Dallas [-EDFW-]

Chef Kanaache in action. [Photo credit: Najat Kanaache]