Chef Luke Bergman Steps in at 1826 Restaurant and Lounge

Collins Avenue's sleek four-story restaurant, 1826, recently underwent a change of hands. Their opening chef, Chicago import Danny Grant, left his post as executive chef and was newly replaced with chef Luke Bergman. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Bergman received international acclaim in 2010 when he became the first American to win gold at the International Trophée Passion culinary competition at the Académie Culinaire de France, per a press release. He then went on to become chef de cuisine at Colicchio & Sons from 2011 to 2013 before most recently making his South Florida homecoming to join Valentino Cucina Italiana as executive chef. As for how he'll be updating things at the South Beach hotspot, Bergman says, "the new menu will feature both hot and cold appetizers, as well as a new section of pastas and risotto ...from the health-conscious to the carnivore, the new 1826 menu will cater to every discerning palette."