Dan Kluger Announces Exit From ABC Kitchen And ABC Cocina

On June 27, executive chef Dan Kluger of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina in Union Square, will leave both restaurants to pursue an all-new restaurant concept of his own, reports The New York Times.

Kluger first joined the Jean Georges team in 2008 and helped ABC Kitchen earn the honor of Best New Restaurant at the James Beard Awards in 2011.

Kluger was also instrumental in helping to expand the Jean-Georges empire to restaurants in Washington, D.C.; Utah, and Arizona.

At this year's James Beard Awards, Kluger himself was nominated for Best Chef NYC.  

Following chef Kluger's departure, Karen Shu and Ian Coogan — chefs de cuisine at ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina, respectively — will take over those kitchens. 

Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.