Chef Ben Bettinger Departing Imperial in August

After helping open the large downtown restaurant in September 2012, chef Ben Bettinger is leaving the kitchen of Imperial later this summer: Eat Beat reports the longtime Vitaly Paley protege will depart (for parts unknown) in early August, with Paley himself taking over the kitchen of both Imperial and its sister spot Portland Penny Diner during the transition.

In 2008, Bettinger left his chef de cuisine position at Paley's Place to open Beaker & Flask the following year; while there, the cocktail bar/restaurant earned a "Restaurant of the Year" nod from Willamette Week. No word yet on Bettinger's future plans — stay tuned.
· Chef Ben Bettinger to Leave Imperial [Eat Beat]
· All Previous Ben Bettinger Coverage [Eater PDX]

Screengrab courtesy Knife Fight/EsquireTV