Mario Batali Divesting from His Restaurant Empire

NEW YORK CITY — Mario Batali, the chef accused of multiple incidents of sexual misconduct, is getting set to divest himself of his restaurant empire that includes Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at the Palazzo, Otto Enoteca in the Grand Canal Shoppes, and B&B Ristorante at the Venetian. While in the process of working through the complicated business arrangement that began in 1998 with Babbo in New York City, The New York Times reports that Batali seems “deeply introspective and seeking counsel on what his future might hold, both personally and professionally.” And while he weighs his future, the chef has spit-balled ideas that range from starting his own company with a strong female at the helm, doing volunteer work in Rwanda, or even retiring to the Amalfi Coast. [NYT]

CHICAGO — Pink Taco, the Mexican restaurant that got its start in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel, now has a third location dishing lobster enchiladas, tacos, margaritas, and chili poppers in a 9,600-square-foot space spanning two floor. This new restaurant takes its design inspiration from the Los Angeles outpost. [Eater Chicago]

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