<div class="tldr">Chef Lucia Kim has left Alto, the Midtown Italian restaurant, after three years as executive chef. Kim confirmed she will open her own restaurant in Bushwick in late 2024.</div>
<ul class="key-facts">
<li>Chef Lucia Kim exited Alto in early June 2024.</li>
<li>Kim served as executive chef at Alto since 2021.</li>
<li>Her new Bushwick restaurant is expected to open in fall 2024.</li>
</ul>
Chef Lucia Kim’s departure from Alto was confirmed by both the chef and Alto’s ownership group on Monday. Alto, located on East 53rd Street, has not announced a successor for the kitchen leadership. Kim’s last service at Alto was on June 7, 2024.
Lucia Kim became executive chef at Alto in February 2021, following a stint as sous chef at Fiorello. During her tenure, Kim introduced a seasonal pasta menu and redesigned several classic dishes. Alto, part of the MHG restaurant group, has seen stable business throughout her leadership.
Kim’s Bushwick restaurant will be her first solo venture. The chef stated that the concept is still under development but will focus on “contemporary Korean American cuisine.” The opening is planned for October 2024, though Kim says construction timelines are still being finalized.
Alto will continue normal service while searching for Kim’s replacement. The MHG group has not indicated whether the menu will change prior to a new executive chef appointment.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h2>Why did Chef Lucia Kim leave Alto?</h2>
<p>Chef Lucia Kim stated that she left Alto to pursue her own restaurant project in Bushwick. She said the decision was mutual between herself and the MHG group. Kim intends to focus on developing her own culinary vision with her solo venture.</p>
<h2>What will Kim’s Bushwick restaurant serve?</h2>
<p>According to Kim, the new Bushwick restaurant will feature contemporary Korean American cuisine. The menu is still being developed, but Kim aims to highlight seasonal ingredients and reinterpret classic Korean dishes. More details are expected closer to opening.</p>
<h2>Who is replacing Lucia Kim at Alto?</h2>
<p>As of June 2024, Alto has not announced a new executive chef to replace Lucia Kim. The MHG group says the restaurant will operate as usual while a search is conducted. No changes to the menu have been announced at this time.</p>