Chefs on the Move: Southern News

In Birmingham, Rob and Emily McDaniel (Helen) introduce Bayonet, a new seafood restaurant and raw bar downtown. Jacob M. Stull opened a fine dining French venture, Rêve. 

In New Orleans, Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri introduced Brutto Americano at the Barnett Hotel. 

In Louisville, Bourbon & Burgers opens in St. Matthews this month. 

In Memphis, Half Shell soon opens a new location in Germantown. 

In Oklahoma City, Kevin Lee (Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee) plans a modern steakhouse for The Drake space. 

In Atlanta, Claudia Martinez is working on a cocktail and dessert spot, Bar ANA, in the former El Bar space. 

In Houston, Shawn Gawle officially unveils Camaraderie March 26 in the Heights. 

In Charlotte, Built On Hospitality brought Mediterranean small plates to the South End with Mazi.

In Raleigh-Durham, Saif Rahman signed on as chef at forthcoming Peregrine. 

In Winston-Salem, The Katherine Brasserie & Bar welcomed Daniel Boling as executive chef.

In Miami, after closing in 2018, Peruvian-inspired Francesco reopened in Coral Gables. The Kimpton EPIC appointed Eric Vargas as bar supervisor and Michelle Draper as restaurant manager at Area 31. 

In Pensacola, Little Tides Oyster Bar moves into the Gaby’s Taqueria space this spring. 

In Tampa, Michael Buttacavoli (Cena) is helming the kitchen at newly opened Martin’s Italian.

In Costa Rica, the forthcoming Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique revealed its dining lineup, including La Finca, Tico-Tica, Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, Vida Pool & Grill, and Peacock Alley Bar; Nicolas Piatti serves as executive chef, and Ana Martinez as food and beverage director.