
5

"This acclaimed cocktail spot was mentioned because a corporate pastry chef and front-of-house staffer expressed frustration at the decision to promote the chef’s new project despite past staff allegations, saying it felt like “watching the villain keep winning” amid recent industry progress such as increased diversity among James Beard semifinalists. The comment reflects broader disappointment among some hospitality professionals who hoped industry reckoning and uplifting news would be prioritized over supporting problematic figures." - Erika Adams