Chef Shake-Up at Meriwether's: Earl Hook Departing

FoodDude is the first to report that chef/partner Earl Hook has given notice and will soon depart the nearly eight-year-old Meriwether's Restaurant. A restaurant employee confirms that Hook "does have plans to leave," but would not confirm an exact timeline for his departure. Hook was named executive chef at the NW farm-to-table restaurant in 2008, replacing Tommy Habetz (who founded Bunk Sandwiches after a two-year stint in the Meriwether's kitchen).

2012 has already proven to be a year of changes for the upscale spot: Meriwether's owners John and Renee Orlando recently renovated the kitchen space to "double [its] output capacity," and the Dude reports rumors of "significant changes in staff" since the beginning of the year. No word yet on Hook's post-Meriwether's plans, or of his replacment.
· Meriwether's Restaurant and Skyline Farm [Official site]
· All Previous Meriwether's Coverage [Eater PDX]

Image of Meriwether's courtesy Mac M. via Yelp