Nick Erven Leaves Westwood's Fundamental LA For New Gig With Eric Greenspan

Tough news for fans of Fundamental LA, as it seems Nick Erven’s last night of service as chef at the Westwood spot will be tonight.

Eater has learned that Erven (who first rose to citywide prominence as the chef at the now-shuttered Saint Martha in Koreatown) will be stepping away from the stoves of the popular local restaurant just a few months after coming onboard, and while still working through a new menu that transitioned Fundamental out of the well-received era of Philip Pretty.

Instead, Erven will be hopping onboard the only recently-minted Midcourse Hospitality Group, which includes Eric Greenspan and partners Jim Hustead (Saint Martha, Maré) and James Moon (Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese, Stone Oven).

As first hinted at back when Saint Martha officially closed, Erven and the Midcourse guys already seem to have some future plans in the works for concepts to spread around town. No word yet on what those will be, but given Greenspan’s penchant for fun, casual dining and Erven’s own flair in the kitchen, it should be something pretty exciting.

There’s also no news on who will officially replace Erven at Fundamental, though the staff who’ve been cooking with Erven since he arrived is reportedly staying on. That means the same menu (including that incredible burger) for the time being, while the restaurant works to bring in someone else soon enough.