Josh Crain Swaps Out Michael Mina for Thomas Keller

Josh Crain is leaving American Fish at Aria to take over as chef de cuisine at Bouchon at the Venetian. He starts his new position on April 2 .

Crain only recently took over the American Fish kitchen last summer after opening chef Sven Meade departed. This marks a return to Crain's roots; he worked at the original Bouchon in Yountville, Calif. Al Mancini reports on his blog that Thomas Keller himself asked Crain to return to the restaurant.

Before joining Michael Mina's American Fish, Crain was in charge of the kitchens at Nobhill Tavern, which is closing at the MGM Grand at the end of March, and the now-defunct Seablue, which is becoming Pub 1842 from Mina.

In other chef shuffle news, Chris Starkus, who just left RM Seafood at Mandalay Place, is now the chef de cuisine at Urban Farmer in Portland, Ore. Johnny Church took over the kitchen at RM Seafood.
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Josh Crain [Photo: Michael Mina Group]