Chef Jonathan Luce Departs Beloved Oakland Italian Restaurant Bellanico | Eater SF

"An Oakland Italian staple frequently praised by former Chronicle critic Michael Bauer, Bellanico had Jonathan Luce as its chef since it opened 11 years ago until he walked away in October after more than a year of failed negotiations to buy the Glenview neighborhood restaurant from owners Chris and Elizabeth Frumusa. The Frumusas and Luce describe their former working relationship as tense and stressful — "Tensions were really high. We felt like we had to part ways," Elizabeth says — and negotiations ended when they couldn't agree on a price. Now Chris is leading the kitchen, the Frumusas say they are not selling and have just signed a new 12-year lease ("We've got teenage girls, there's no way we can retire")." - Janelle Bitker