Ludovic Lefevbre leaves Bastide

[Swicks]

In the LA Times Food section today there is an article about how Ludo has left Bastide over "creative differences" with owner Joe Pytka. The restaurant has been closed for redesign and menu/concept change and the chef and owner were working together on a new menu but apparantly Lefevbre had enough of Pytka changing his mind. I think in the end this will be a good move for Lefevbre, he is currently out looking for backing for his own restaurant.

Pretty big news if you ask me, though not totally surprising given Pytka's history with chefs. Doesnt seem like the restaurants "new concept" will be any good.

Here is the article:

http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo...ack=1&cset=true

[docsconz]

I am more interested to see where Lefevbre winds up. Will he stay in L.A.?

[rjwong]

Here's the Bastide thread.

That LA Times article is pretty much the latest chapter in this "soap opera," as LA Times puts it.

I'm hoping Ludo would stay in LA. He can take Los Angeles to the next culinary level, if LA wants to go there ...

[SiseFromm]

Do you think Los Angeles does want to go there? I'm not sure they do. The culinary landscape for the last year seems to be dominated by the ubiquitous steakhouse. They came as though lined-up, one after another, each trying to put a posh spin on a classic but maybe muddying the waters all the while? We could definitely use a shake-up, but I don't know if diners in the City of Angels want pina colada foie and what not. Time will tell.

[Swicks]

I think if he is wise he stays in LA. I do agree that it is questionable if LA wants a restaurant that he could create. I would think he has the chance to really set himself apart and creat a unique place to call his own, I don't think this is as easily achieveable in New York for example. I can't imagine he would have too tough of a time finding backers for his own place.

[bunny]

any updates on what ludovic is planning