Chef Changes Abound at Stephen Starr's Steak 954, Verde, and Makoto

Just in time for the new year, Stephen Starr's eponymous restaurant group announces some switcheroos. Steak 954's Jason Smith left the restaurant to helm the kitchen at the W Fort Lauderdale, and now he's being replaced by executive chef Nicolay Adinaguev, who's returning to the restaurant— he was part of the opening staff back in 2009— after a stint at Verde. Stepping into his role at Verde is Kaytlin Brakefield. Elsewhere, Bal Habor's Makoto welcomes Page Pressley; he worked previously at Uchi and Uchiko in Austin.

Page has been in place for some time now, and the other two chefs get started as 2015 kicks off. Look for new menus at all three area restaurants by January. Know of some other kitchen shuffles? Drop us a line.