Ryan Poli Leaving Perennial For Mercadito Start-Up

Chef Ryan Poli of Perennial. (Photo: Perennial)

The word's out and Eater busted the story wide open Wednesday afternoon.

Ryan Poli, Perennial's colorful executive chef, is apparently leaving his post to helm Mercadito's new venture in the old Martini Park space.

According to the story, Poli's last day is March 7, then he'll come aboard the 300-seat River North restaurant Tavernita that's set to open this summer. He'll also be a partner in the project.

Meanwhile, over at Perennial, owners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm say they already have a replacement—reportedly a "celebrity chef"—but right now mum's the word . . .

UPDATE: Now Time Out has a poll to see if we can guess who will replace Poli. They were a little rough on ol' boy in the writeup, but whatever.

Could it be Rocco DiSpirito?! Girl & The Goat's Stephanie Izard seems to think so!