After five + years in the kitchen as execu-chef at Azul at the Mandarin Oriental, Clay Conley is packing his knives and going. We contacted the Mandarin's Director of Communication, Alexandra Wensley, who confirmed the news, saying "After 5 and a half years as head chef at Azul, Clay is moving on to open a restaurant in Palm Beach. He'll be at Azul until the end of September." As for a replacement, Miami Restaurant Power Rankings had a great idea: how 'bout Dena Marino, whose hasty departure from DeVito South Beach created some of the most audible foodie buzz of the summer?
This just in: Conley's new restaurant will be on the "island" proper, aka Palm Beach, at 350 South County Rd. and Australian Ave. Expected opening is December and while it is currently nameless, will feature a "very casual, lower price point with small plates, a wood fired grill, brick oven and raw bar," says our source. "Expect lots of stone, brick and wood. A little but rustic." [EaterWire]
· Clay Conley's Website
· Azul Website
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