Geek Bar Names New Exec Chef; Public Hotel's New Beverage Director; More

WICKER PARK—It's been more than two months since Tom Kern left his position as executive chef at Geek Bar and now his replacement has been revealed. Joshua Mutchnick has worked for Masaharu Morimoto, José Andrés, Michel Richard, Bruce Sherman at North Pond, Thomas Lents at Sixteen and was previously a sous chef at Graham Elliot Bistro. He will begin the role of executive chef beginning January 26. [EaterWire]

GOLD COAST—PUBLIC Chicago Hotel has a new beverage director/head mixologist, Mea Leech, who's overseeing the menus at both Library Bar and the Pump Room. Leech, who has spent time at The Drawing Room, J Parker and Belly Q, most recently was at Nellcote and RM Champagne Salon as the beverage director for the Element Collective group. [EaterWire]

FULTON MARKET—In a bit of news regarding the probable boost in empanadas sales at La Sirena Clandestina once Google moves in nearby, the Reader's Michael Gebert revealed that former Blackbird, Graham Elliot and Food & Wine best new pastry chef Bryce Caron is now working alongside chef/owner John Manion and Mark Steuer. Caron was last seen working for Steuer at Carriage House, but left soon after Steuer exited. [Reader]