At this time, there is no word on who will take over the kitchen of the restaurant that has now had two kitchen shakeups in the past six months. According to Eater Miami, the 25-year-old chef wasn't "on the same page about how the restaurant should be run" with the powers that be.
This is the second kitchen shakeup for the Coral Gables restaurant since it opened six months ago at the Village of Merrick Park.
When it opened, chef Najat Kaanache was lauded for an excellent resumé that included time spent at Ferran Adrià's El Bulli, along with French Laundry, Per Se, and others.
Two months later, Kaanache was ousted when restaurant employees claimed mistreatment and unfair wage practices. Piripi's owners issued a statement regarding the issue, saying, "Piripi regrets that accusations are being made against the restaurant's former chef. To the extent this dispute might collaterally imply any wrongdoing by Piripi or its principals, such implications are misplaced."
Chef Angelina Bastidas replaced the fallen chef. At just 25 years old, the tender
Bastidas set about instilling confidence in the kitchen, telling New Times: "When I arrived at Piripi, I could tell the kitchen needed guidance and a chef."
She revamped the menu, concentrating on "fun and whimsical food with a sexy approach."
Though the news is sudden, Bastidas has said she already has plans, including a television stint.
