Laurent Gras leaves L2O in dispute with owner Rich Melman — big loss for Chicago!

Resident Foodies say: We are devastated, absolutely devastated, to learn that Executive Chef of L2O Laurent Gras is permanently leaving L2O for NYC, even after being awarded the highest distinction by Michelin (3 stars) yesterday.

Food & Wine reveals that Gras left in a dispute with Melman over the direction of L2O: ““I love L2O and am very proud of everything we achieved there. But [owner] Rich Melman and I have always had different points of view on L2O. In July, we talked about changes he wanted to make, and for me, these changes would alter the character of L2O and ultimately make it a different experience. I let him know then that I would be leaving.”