Chefs on the Move: Western News

In Seattle, Gastón Acurio brought his famed La Mar Bellevue to the Eastside, with Kaoru Chang as executive chef. 

In Los Angeles, Thomas Fuks debuted an upscale lounge in West Hollywood, Puzzle, with Kevin Dray. San Diego’s Filipino White Rice opened a stall in BLVD Market. Highland Park welcomed a sourdough pizzeria called Wildcrust. Kijung Hospitality Group introduces a flagship location of Baekjeong in Koreatown this month. The Shore Hotel adds a new restaurant, Shoreside, in November, with Todd Bohak as executive chef. We’re sad to report that Akira Hirose (Maison Akira) passed away at 70.

In the Bay Area, 2018 Plate Chef to Watch Dave Nayfeld and Matt Brewer christened their latest venture, Che Fico Pizzeria, at Thrive City. Beryl Adler planted Acorn Cafe in downtown Healdsburg. Nicholas Peters joined Alora as executive chef. Flour + Water is adding a spin-off spot, Flour + Water Pizza Shop, at the Mission Rock development. 

In San Diego, Merenda is a new Southern European bistro and wine bar in Oceanside, with a menu from Travis Hayden.

In Palm Springs, Quentin Garcia opened Lola Rose Grand Mezze. 

In Sacramento, Bambina’s Pizza and Pasta opened at Ice Blocks. Ink Eats & Drinks shuttered after 21 years in Midtown. 

In Portland, Chanelle Sinclair is turning the former Maeve into Fates Bread and Bottle Co. 

In Las Vegas, Bazaar Meat relocates to The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas early 2025. 

In Denver, Cul-de-Sac brought French food to the Dewey Beer Co. taproom. Frank Bonanno closed Salt & Grinder deli.

In Aspen, Cedric and Ochi Vongerichten expand Wayan locally this winter.

In Phoenix, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale announced Tyler Johnson as pastry chef of Hearth ’61. Santa Monica’s Élephante soon brings upscale Italian fare to Scottsdale Fashion Square.

In Boise, Ben and April Williams are opening Kludt-Williams Family Winery in Hyde Park. 

In Salt Lake City, Eight Settlers Lounge is an incoming cocktail bar downtown. Stanza called it quits downtown.

In Cheyenne, Shari’s closed after 40 years.