Brian Laird Out From Sarto's; Lance Barto In at Milk & Honey

Sarto's, not yet six months old, is in the midst of a major kitchen shake-up: Chef Brian Laird and owner Taylor Swallow parted ways. The Jefferson Park restaurant became a quick favorite for Denver diners seeking out Laird's Italian food and his playful cicchetti bar where he custom-made small plates for those seated in front of the small chef's counter. A team of chefs including James Rugile, Ryan Baldwin, and Ivan Ceballo are taking the reins of the kitchen now. Along with Laird's departure, Sarto's announced that a new spring menu is forthcoming along with brunch service.

Meanwhile, chef Lance Barto who was let go from Brazen in February, found another home. He will serve as the opening chef at Larimer Square's anticipated and much delayed Milk & Honey.

In other restaurant shuffle news, chef Michael Long, previously of Opus and Aria, now helms the kitchen at Le Central, Westword reported last week. And former Old Major general manager August Poehls can now be found working in the dining room at Rioja.