Dirk Flanigan OUT at The Gage and Henri

Dirk Flanigan is now former chef of The Gage and Henri, according to Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune. Flanigan is leaving to start his own project, telling Vettel "the oven is hot and it's time."

Vettel includes official statements from both Flanigan and owner Billy Lawless. Lawless says Flanigan was "instrumental to the success of both restaurants" but "The Gage and Henri will continue to flourish." Lawless has named Chris Gawronski executive chef of Henri, Vettel writes. This comes on the heels of Shebnem Ince leaving as sommelier, now replaced by Jason Wagner.

It'll be interesting to see what concept Flanigan decides on, and what location he chooses. Eater wishes good luck to everyone involved.

· All Coverage of Dirk Flanigan [~ECHI~]
· All Coverage of Billy Lawless [~ECHI~]
· All Coverage of The Gage and Henri [~ECHI~]