Erik Van Kley Leaving Little Bird Bistro

After 10 years under chef Gabriel Rucker's wing, Little Bird executive chef Erik Van Kley is ready to fly the coop and open a restaurant of his own, The Oregonian reports. Van Kley has worked with Rucker since their days at the old Gotham Building Tavern, and he was his right hand man at Le Pigeon until 2010, when Rucker and co-owner Andrew Fortgang opened Little Bird downtown and gave him the spotlight. Van Kley will be at Little Bird through the end of April. No word yet on his restaurant plans and who will take his place.