Chef Paul Lee Steps Into Patina as Exec Chef, Brings Tasting Menu With Him

Biggish news out of L.A.’s fine dining scene, which seems to be getting smaller and smaller (and smaller) all the time: Patina has themselves a new Executive Chef. The often star-making role underneath the considerable talents of Joachim Splichal has been a work in progress for a little while now, but latest turn to bring on chef Paul Lee seems like a strong one.

Prior to his current Patina turn, Lee was seen staging across Europe and manning the stoves at Le Cirque in Las Vegas. Guests should expect the usual refined sensibilities with a decidedly French focus. "Paul is an incredible talent with strong fine dining experience," says Splichal via his press folks, adding that "he has some novel ideas that both honor Patina’s long-standing culinary traditions and take us into the future."

It’s that future part that’s coming in to focus a bit, as well. On the anniversary of their 25th year in the fine dining game, Patina has fully moved to an all tasting-menu format, albeit with a touch of choice. Guests will have the opportunity to dine on pre-set, fully coursed menus that are three, four, five or eight dishes long.

Patina’s changes downtown are already fully operational, so guests can swing in any time to see the new menu in action — as well as Lee himself.