Sam Talbot, executive chef of the much-maligned Surf Lodge, is out at his Mondrian Hotel-based eatery, Imperial No. 9 in Manhattan. After running the kitchen for less than eight months, the folk-loving, Top Chef contestant cited "irreconcilable differences" and called it quits earlier today. At issue was the hotel's decision to hire Vegas-based The Light Group to "bring some of their special nightlife magic to the restaurant and the hotel's bar and club, Mister H." With his newfound free time, Mr. Talbot plans on peddling his new cookbook and looking into other restaurant opportunities. Hey, there's one in Montauk he might like. [Previously, Eater NY]
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