Chef Dirk Flanigan OUT at Ocean Cut Chicago

Just when Ocean Cut Chicago seemed to have turned a corner, Chicago Cut Steakhouse’s River North swanky seafood restaurant has lost another chef. Dirk Flanigan is out after 11 months. Flanigan led the reconcept of the restaurant formerly known as C Chicago.

Flanigan, an ex-chef at The Gage and Henri, confirmed his departure.

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“It's true, it was an honor reconcepting and breathing new life into what is now Ocean Cut,” he wrote via text. “The experience was another excellent notch on my belt of self-discovery. I’m always inspired to give it my all when building a team, and sharing my passion for the love of cooking, and outstanding service. Continued success to us all.”

There’s conflicted reports that a new chef started on Tuesday at Ocean Cut, but ownership couldn’t be immediately reached to reveal who that chef is. The next chef would give Ocean Cut/C Chicago’s its third since opening in April 2015. The restaurant is the subject of an infamous takedown by Chicago food critic Jeff Ruby in 2015.

Critics were mixed on the reboot which took place this spring, about a year after debuting. The Tribune’s Phil Vettel in July raved about the prix-fixe option. However, Chicagoist’s Anthony Todd ranked his visit as his most disappointing meal of 2016. Ocean Cut stands in a prime location which was once occupied by Keefer’s in River North.

UPDATE: Ocean Chicago/Chicago Cut co-owner David Flom confirmed the departure and wished Flanigan well. He wouldn’t confirm that a new chef was in place. He added they’ll have a chef announcement in the future.