Changes are afoot at Knife & Tine as opening chef Nate Park is out after little more than four months and Richard Ginn, previously of Davanti Enoteca, is in at the Lincoln Park restaurant. Management sent an email about the change, stating that Ginn is working on a new menu to debut in November.
Park (formerly of iNG, Moto and Baume & Brix) says that, while it was "disappointing" that he and the ownership "couldn't agree on a common vision," he "wishes them success" and that he was "thankful for the opportunity." He also had kind words for the entire restaurant staff, saying that he "can't thank them enough."
Knife & Tine, residing in the former Sprout space, had a rough go review-wise. Time Out Chicago's Amy Cavanaugh gave a particularly harsh review back in August. But regular diners appear to differ with Cavanaugh as the restaurant is currently averaging four-and-a-half stars out of 5 on Yelp.
UPDATE: Co-owner Carissa Shaffer echoed Park's statement that the parting was due to “differences in culinary philosophy.” She added that “chef Park brings a highly complex level of cooking to the kitchen” but that his vision ultimately did not match that of the owners. Chef Ginn’s menu approach will keep “our initial vision of an approachable neighborhood establishment” while also showcasing his “abilities in kitchen management and operations.”