We've learned that Sapa's executive chef, Patricia Yeo (formerly of three star AZ and then Pazo) is quite likely leaving Sapa to open her own restaurant. She has, apparently, given notice to Sapa owner Brian Matzkow, although the details of her exit -- timing, her replacement, the fate of Sapa -- are still to be determined. To be sure, this is a serious blow for the AvroKo-designed Sapa, which, following a rather splashy opening in 2004 has cooled significantly of late. (You can spot an advertisement (!) for the venue in this month's TONY.)
The earliest details on Yeo's new venture are that it'll be located on Houston in the vicinity of Sixth Avenue and will feature small plates, perhaps with a South American tilt.
(All of this said, it may be worth noting that this is not the first time Yeo has seemingly had plans to open a restaurant of her own.)
· Patricia Yeo [Sapa]
