Chef Rocco DiSpirito Is Already Out at the Standard Grill

Rocco DiSpirito peaces out of the Standard Grill

After just over a year, Rocco DiSpirito has abandoned his much-publicized post leading the kitchen at the Standard Grill in Meatpacking. The restaurant reportedly called diners with reservations this week to inform them DiSpirito would not be present, and a representative for the Standard tells the Post that the split happened “mutually and amicably.”

During his time at the restaurant, DiSpirito earned praise from Times critic Pete Wells, though Eater critics Robert Sietsema and Ryan Sutton found less to commend. DiSpirito made his name as the chef at well-recieved Union Pacific, and then as a TV chef on shows such as Dancing With the Stars and the Guy Fieri game show. He parlayed that success into cookbooks and the like, though he didn’t spend much time in restaurant kitchens over the years. His post at the Standard Grill was seen as a comeback to restaurants.

In other news

— The Bronx Night Market’s final night of the 2019 season is this Saturday, October 26 with a Halloween theme.

— Paris bakery Poilâne is popping up in NYC with treats such as sourdough loaves, walnut financiers, and carrot and curry cake from October 29 through November 3 at Lafayette. Owner Apollonia Poilane will be on hand opening day.

— The minibar situation at Hudson Yard’s Equinox hotel sounds ... unappealing.

— Council member Jimmy Van Bramer introduced legislation last week that would require diners to opt-in to receiving non-reusable utensils, napkins, plates, and bowls. A hearing on the issue will be held next month, according to a release.

— An interesting thought: