​Jimmy Lappalainen, the executive at Riingo, was on Marcus Samuelsson's team for the White House dinner. He'll be offering the state dinner menu at Riingo from December 14-20.
[Grub Street]

Scott Conant is rumored to be closer to taking over the Table 8 space in the Cooper Square Hotel, which would mean that Govind Armstrong is closer to being out.
[Eater]

Cody Utzman, who appeared on the Food Network's Chopped, was reportedly punched by a drunken reveler during a party at Papacitos in Greenpoint.
[NY Post]

Kyle McClelland, who was formerly employed at the Wauwinet resort on Nantucket, is the new chef at Caviar Russe on Madison Avenue.
[NY Times]

The executive chef at Aquavit, Johan Svensson, is taking his leave to become the chef de cuisine at a new BLT Steak in Honolulu.
[NY Times]