Chef David LeFevre is leaving Water Grill

Chef David LeFevre is leaving downtown's Water Grill to open his own restaurant. LeFevre, a Charlie Trotter protege who also has worked brief stints at El Bulli in Spain and Tetsuya in Australia, has been executive chef of Water Grill for six  years.  

"I'll be owner-partner in a new restaurant, but I can't say much more than that," LeFevre said, adding that the restaurant will be in Los Angeles and should be open by spring. He said that he plans to leave in the next six or seven weeks for "a very smooth transition." 

LeFevre was handed the Water Grill reins from chef Michael Cimarusti, who went on to open Providence in Hollywood. "Water Grill's kitchen has been led by a select group of chefs who contributed to the Los Angeles dining landscape in significant ways," a Water Grill press release announcing LeFevre's departure said. The restaurant, owned by King's Seafood Co., is searching for its next executive chef. 

"The Kings and I have had a really wonderful relationship for six years, full of mutual respect,  and that is going to continue," LeFevre said in a phone interview. "I've been treated like family and am a huge supporter of what they do and how they do it. This is a bittersweet end." 

-- Betty Hallock

Photo: David LeFevre. Credit: Allen Schaben/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[emmanuel]

what a great chef and most of all a great person, i had the opportunity to work and stay with him as a guest in chicago
and he visit the restaurant i use to work for in the bahamas
all the best with your new restaurant Chef David hope i get the chance to visit one day....emmanuel the bahamas