Warren Schwartz Leaving Whist for Westside Tavern

Some big breaking news from the ChefWire: Whist executive chef Warren Schwartz is leaving the Viceroy in Santa Monica, and this may be is is his last week. Schwartz took over at Whist in 2002 after a successful run at Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas, and his menus have been well recieved. For his next venture, he signed on as managing partner and exec chef of the Westside Tavern---the newcomer that was slated to open next to Barnes & Noble at the Westside Pavilion this month but is now pushed to October. Per the the restaurant's flacks: "Themed in mid-century modern architecture and comprising approximately 10,000 square feet, Westside Tavern will be an upscale yet moderately priced, urban eatery and bar featuring market-driven, locally-sourced fare with a modern west coast American sensibility." It's owned by the Texas-based Consilient Restaurant Group; bringing in someone local like Schwartz is a smart move. No word yet from the Kor Group on chef's replacement.
· EaterWire: Westside Tavern at Westside Pavilion [~ELA~]
[Photo: Barnes & Noble]