Jeff McInnis and Gigi Part Ways

Gigi's owner, Amir Ben-Zion, confirms to Short Order that the rumors that Chef Jeff McInnis has left his position at Gigi are true.Ben-Zion explained that the split was amicable and it was never the intention of the restaurant or McInnis to stay beyond the first few months after opening.Since opening...

By Jose D. Duran

March 3, 2011

Help us weather the uncertain future

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

We need to raise $6,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Miami. Thanks for reading Miami New Times.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$6,000

$2,750

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "22004575",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "22595215",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17482312",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18711090",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "23181625",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18711090",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17720761",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Gigi's owner, Amir Ben-Zion, confirms to Short Order that the rumors that Chef Jeff McInnis has left his position at Gigi are true.

Ben-Zion explained that the split was amicable and it was never the intention of the restaurant or McInnis to stay beyond the first few months after opening.

Since opening last year in September, Gigi, along with restaurants like Sugarcane, Sustain, and Sakaya Kitchen, have helped usher in a food renaissance of sorts in midtown Miami. McInnis was even chosen by New Times to be featured in its inaugural People Issue last November because of the buzz surrounding his food and the restaurant.

Before that, McInnis was perhaps best known as a contest on Top Chef's fifth season, where he was eliminated in the tenth episode.

No word at this time as to where McInnis will be moving on to.

Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.

Jose D. Duran is the former senior music editor of Miami New Times. His work has also appeared in publications likeVice, Billboard, and Spin. He’s earned numerous accolades including placing first for Weekly Newspaper Contest: Business Reporting from the Florida Press Association in 2020; placing third for the Writing: Light Feature from the Florida Press Club in 2019; and placing third in Weekly Newspaper Contest: Best Obituary from the Florida Press Association in 2015.

A message from Food & Drink Editor Nicole Lopez-Alvar: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Miami's evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today