Clinton Bertrand OUT at Al Fico

Executive chef Clinton Bertrand is leaving Al Fico, the Italian restaurant from the owners of Vino Vino. Taking his place is Shandon Brockett, from Sonoma, who originally came into the staff as sous chef. Before coming to Texas, the 26 year-old worked as a line cook in California for Iron Chef Duskie Estes at Zazu.

[Photo: Andrew Flieller]

Bertrand joined the Al Fico team last spring, before the restaurant debuted in the fall after much delays. Previously, he worked in A16 in San Francisco and Vespaio. Pastry chef Kendall Melton also helped open the restaurant as well until she left for Odd Duck late last year.

Al Fico is run by co-owners Jeff Courington and Kelly Bell, who opened wine bar and restaurant Vino Vino in 2006. Brockett’s impending additions to the osteria-style menu will include a focus on sustainability. Never fear though: a few of Bertrand’s dishes will remain on the list.