Joel Huff Out at Azul; Rumors of Celeb Chef Takeover

An Eater tipster just informed us that as of three weeks ago today, Joel Huff is no longer at Azul. Huff was at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami restaurant since March 2011. "There are rumors floating as to what is to become of the restaurant," says our deep throat. Among those rumors, an unnamed, alleged celeb chef sighting slash scoping three times during Huff's tenure. "I can see them closing Azul for this opportunity if they can close the deal," says our snitch. We contacted the Mandarin's Director of Communications Alexandra Wensley, who quickly squashed that rumor, saying "Joel is no longer the chef at Azul. He has moved on to pursue other opportunities. As for rumors, we are looking for a non-celebrity chef." In the meantime, Huff is actively looking for his next kitchen so if anyone is in the market for an executive chef who has trained at José Andrés' MiniBar in DC and was former Chef de Cuisine at Saam at The Bazaar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills, let him (or us) know. [EaterWire]