After a year and a half in the kitchen, Joey Elenterio is leaving the executive chef role at Chez TJ in Mountain View. The reason for Elenterio’s departure have not been given, and owner George Aviet says he was “surprised.” As the Scoop notes, the restaurant has been a launch pad for three other chefs who have gone on to Michelin-star greatness: Christopher Kostow (Meadowood), Joshua Skenes (Saison), and Bruno Chemel (Baumé). Chez TJ itself had two Michelin stars under Kostow, but has stuck at one star for the last several years — something which Aviet was notably upset about and which allegedly led directly to the departure of Chemel. Aviet says he’s now on the hunt for his next “great chef,” just as the restaurant is celebrating 30 years in business this year. No word on whether the restaurant will continue to serve “complimentary” foie gras, as Elenterio had been doing. [Scoop] Update: Zagat speaks with Elenterio and he hints that he’s “ready to do something on a grander scale,” saying he was being “held back” by the limitations of Chez TJ. It does not sound like his next step has been quite nailed down, though. [Zagat]
