Lawrence Kocurek OUT at Trace, IN at Counter 3.Five.VII

The W Hotel's downtown Austin restaurant Trace recently lost their chef de cuisine, Lawrence Kocurek. The move was first hinted at by a commenter and confirmed by a rep for the restaurant.

The team at Trace offered the following statement: "Chef Lawrence Kocurek has been a tremendous talent and great addition to the TRACE team. We wish him the best in his future endeavors." Since opening in 2010, Trace has had two other chefs de cuisine, Uchi alum Ben Hightower and Pleasant Storage Room's Paul Hargrove.

Update! The Statesman reports that Kocurek signed on as executive chef at new tasting-menu-only restaurant Counter 3.Five.VII. He is a partner in the restaurant, which will open on Congress Ave. right below Swift's Attic.
· All Trace Coverage [EATX]
· All Chef Shuffles [EATX]