Zachary Pollack and Stephan Samson Leave Pizzeria Ortica, Samson Plans Solo Venture, Pizzeria Ortica Still Coming to LA

Last Thursday night a slew of David Myers chefs, Zachary Pollack and Stephan Samson of Pizzeria Ortica and Kuniko Yagi of Sona served a bevy of dishes at the Los Angeles-San Diego Rising Stars Gala after each receiving a Rising Star nomination. Now, news just in that Zach and Steve at Pizzeria Ortica are OUT. Eater first heard that Zach had quit and Steve had given notice, and PR confirms that Steve is leaving Pizzeria Ortica to pursue his own restaurant project and that "David Myers Group is actively looking for a replacement and the plans to open a Pizzeria Ortica in Los Angeles continue to move forward." PR also reports (and this was noted at the Starchefs event when Zach was seen sporting a hand brace), "Zach was in a serious car accident injuring his hand 3 weeks ago and is unable to work at the moment. He is going to spend some time in Italy." Wow. Not great news for the David Myers empire aside from Pizzeria Ortica coming to this side of town. If it ever happens. [EaterWire]

[Photo: Exile Kiss]