Rachael Lowe In, Jason Carlen Out as Spiaggia Staff Turns Over

As Tony Mantuano's team prepares to reopen Spiaggia in less than a month, many staffing changes are coming to his iconic Italian restaurant. The latest development sees wine director Jason Carlen departing; he sent an email over the weekend to announce his notice, but will stay on through the reopening. Acclaimed advanced sommelier Rachael Lowe (Sixteen) is leaving her sommelier post at Naha and Brindille in mid-May. These developments are connected.

Lowe will be the sommelier and beverage director at the "refreshed Spiaggia" beginning on May 12, overseeing the wine sourcing and service, as well as the bar program with barman Derek Mercer. Reps describe the new Spiaggia beverage program as "Italian, classic and handcrafted."

There's also a new general manager, Serge Krieger (Travelle). Add these moves the initial departure of chef Sarah Grueneberg (replaced by Chris Marchino) and the Spiaggia staff is almost completely turning over.
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