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"It’s been a remarkable year, but I have decided to continue pursuing my culinary education abroad," says Executive Chef Leah Cohen. So far, cursory plans include possible months-long stints in Spain, Italy, and Asia to further enhance her knowledge and technique, "I am very thankful for the opportunities that Sasha Muniak and his team have given me, but I do feel that now is an opportune moment to travel and study and continue to develop myself into a more well rounded chef."

"We are very proud of Leah and what she has accomplished for both herself and the restaurant," adds proprietor Muniak, "I have no doubt Leah’s enthusiasm in furthering her education will benefit her and her career immensely."

Current sous chef Richard Furey (formerly of The Grand Hotel Amrâth, Amsterdam) will take over control of the kitchen. "It’s been my experience that in transitional phases such as this, it’s best to prevent disruption in the kitchen as much as possible. I’ve been very happy with the success of Leah Cohen rising up from sous chef under Anne Burrell, and with Saul Montiel (Gusto Ristorante) taking over the kitchen after his ample experience as sous under both Jody Williams and Amanda Freitag."

Muniak further remarks, "Leah Cohen was very much in demand after her appearance on Top Chef. The team very capably handled her absence while she was called away to represent Centro Vinoteca in both off-site events and TV appearances. I am confident Richard and the team will competently live up to their new challenge."

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