Aug. 04--Craig Degel has been named executive chef at Ceres' Table (3124 N. Broadway, 773-922-4020), effective Wednesday.
Degel spent the last two years as sous-chef at Baffo, Eataly's fine-dining restaurant.
Founding chef Giuseppe Scurato will remain part of the restaurant, as consulting chef/chef emeritus.
"The reality is, I've had a few other projects I wanted to embrace, but there was no time," Scurato said. "Finding a chef who can run the everyday operation will give me more freedom."
Scurato said that some of the dishes "that have been part of Ceres' menu from day one" will remain. Fans of the swordfish carpaccio, for instance, will still be able to find it.
The hunt for a new chef had been in the works for a while, said partner Caryn Struif.
"We really took our time finding someone," she said. "(Degel) is very sincere and passionate and very likable, very hospitable. We sat through a few tastings, and food is fantastic.
"Giuseppe will stay on as part of the family," Struif said.
Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic.
pvettel@tribpub.com
Twitter @philvettel
