<div class="tldr">Chef Rosa Mendoza will depart Aire in Midtown this month. Mendoza will open a pancit shop in Astoria in September 2024.</div>\n\n<ul class="key-facts">\n <li>Rosa Mendoza joined Aire as executive chef in 2022.</li>\n <li>The new Astoria pancit shop is expected to open in September 2024.</li>\n <li>Aire has not announced Mendoza’s successor.</li>\n</ul>\n\nChef Rosa Mendoza has announced her departure from Aire, the Filipino-inspired restaurant in Midtown. Mendoza had served as executive chef at Aire since its 2022 opening. Aire opened with a menu focused on modern interpretations of Filipino dishes.\n\nMendoza stated that she plans to open her own restaurant later this year. The new concept will focus on pancit, the Filipino noodle dish, and will be located on 30th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. A spokesperson for Mendoza confirmed the opening is targeted for September 2024 and will feature at least five varieties of pancit.\n\nAire has not yet named a new executive chef. Management stated that Aire will continue daily operations with its current kitchen staff while a search for Mendoza’s replacement is underway. Aire remains open for dinner service.\n\nMendoza’s new project reflects a broader trend of Filipino American chefs opening casual, single-focus eateries across New York. Astoria has seen an uptick in Southeast Asian restaurants in recent years, according to data from NYC Hospitality Alliance.\n\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>\n<h2>When is Rosa Mendoza leaving Aire?</h2>\n<p>Chef Rosa Mendoza is expected to leave Aire at the end of June 2024. Aire has not announced a public farewell event, and Mendoza will continue to oversee kitchen operations until her departure.</p>\n<h2>Where is Mendoza's new pancit shop opening?</h2>\n<p>The pancit shop will be located on 30th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Mendoza’s team expects to announce the exact street address closer to the September 2024 opening date.</p>\n<h2>Who will replace Rosa Mendoza at Aire?</h2>\n<p>Aire’s management has not yet named a new executive chef. The kitchen will be run by the current sous chef and staff until a permanent replacement is appointed.</p>