As Next restaurant evolves under a new talent that's making waves, Chicago is also losing one of its most decorated chefs. Dave Beran, a Food & Wine best new chef that's helmed the kitchen at the Alinea Group's concept-changing restaurant since its opening on Fulton Market, is heading to Los Angeles in hopes of opening a restaurant there, Nick Kokonas writes. Jenner Tomaska, who's a James Beard Award finalist this year, is being promoted to executive chef.

Tomaska's first iteration as "lead creative" at Next will be the South American menu in May. There's no word yet on Beran's possible restaurant in California, although the Tribune is reporting that he is in lease negotiations "for at least two downtown properties." Read Kokonas' full statement below; Beran's last day at Next is Sunday.