Two popular Italian restaurants announced chef changes on Monday, but one will have a more immediate impact than the other.
Turns out that Radio Milano chef Jose Hernandez hasn't departed the CityCentre restaurant quite yet. He will remain at the upscale Italian spot in the Hotel Sorella for the next six months or so before shifting to the still-unnamed restaurant at the eagerly anticipated Hotel Alessandra that will open in the GreenStreet development in late 2016. The Hotel Sorella and the Alessandra are owned by The Valencia Group.
A representative for the hotel couldn't say whether this move had been in Hernandez's plans all along or the company had simply made the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year nominee an offer he couldn't refuse by giving him the opportunity to shape both the design and concept for the restaurant. Either way, it's a win for both Radio Milano, which keeps Hernandez long enough for him to install a new menu, and for the Alessandra, which will be better equipped to attract diners with a talented chef like Hernandez in the kitchen.
Over in Rice Village, casual neighborhood restaurant Sud Italia announced it has hired executive chef Ale "Sandro" Scarafile. A native of Bari, Italy, Scarafile brings over 15 years of experience working in kitchens in both Europe and the Caribbean. Look for him to bring a seasonal touch to the restaurant's Southern Italian fare.
“We are very excited to bring Chef Sandro on board,” says owner Shanon Scott in a statement. "He possesses an amazing wealth of experience, operational knowledge and foresight. I know our customers are going to love him and his culinary talent."
Sud Italia owner Shanon Scott and chef Sandro Scarafile.
