Argh!!! Will I never get to try his pizza??? I hope he lands somewhere that is a good fit for him.
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What a bummer I agree hopefully he was well compensated and hope he lands on his feet soon his pizza is awesome.
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He just replied “it’s for the best, honestly.”
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My reading is that the Rosenfields saw his value in developing recipes and maybe training chefs in a larger system, but that any role running an actual kitchen wouldn’t involve enough autonomy and/or money. Thankfully for the pizza-eating public, non-compete clauses are not enforceable in CA.
Both Rosenfields were at Roca on my first visit, and they were generous in their praise and credit to Luigi. They indicated he was initially a consultant and then was brought on as an employee. They had brought the chef over from one of their other properties (Bottlefish), and it really sounded like he (the ex-Bottlefish chef) was going to run the Marina restaurant. He’s a real class act by the way; good conversations about the food, thoughtful and generous service every time. I hope that things continue well at Roca, not least because that means more good pizza. If anything, a successful Roca would help Luigi find other backers with terms to his liking.
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His talent will pay off.
Hi. This reading of it is wrong. Lots happened behind the scenes which I don’t really want to discuss in a public forum at this time. It was definitely for the best, both on a personal, human level, and professionally.
However, Ohad (the former Bottlefish chef you mentioned) is a great guy who I enjoyed working alongside. I do appreciate all of you who came out to support and have Roman pizza al taglio again. Now that I’m gone, though, I can give no guarantees as to the quality of the dough and product moving forward.
I have no idea what comes next for me 
taking a few deep breaths and trying to figure that out! Definitely going to visit some of the restaurant rec’s that I’ve bookmarked from reading the forum over the last couple years
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Sorry for the misinterpretation and thanks for the correction. I’m glad you’re coming out of this in a better place.
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We’re pulling for you, Chef!
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If you land somewhere, please do let us all know! I’ve not yet had a chance to try your pizza, and I’d love the opportunity to do so. But your health and happiness should always be the priorities. 
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Thanks for the response. Hoping that you get some much needed rest. If you ever do a pop up or other project let the board know, we are all really big fans of your pizza!
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Sergio in the house.
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Had another fantastic pie from Pizza Wagon.
Crispy, yet chewy crust. Cornicione was nicely risen with some crunch.
Ahhhh…. The chalices….
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It’s always so satisfying. I love it
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Have you tried Prime West LA since your first (and only?) visit? I didn’t visit them that first wk, but the pizzas I’ve had (all the rectangular pies) have all been respectable. The grease chalices today were intact (although the pie was more oily than the others I’ve had).
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I haven’t. I tried to go there on two other occasions but couldn’t find parking. Had doggy with me and I won’t leave him in a car out of my view.
They won’t let you order slices online, either, otherwise I would’ve just double parked and run in.
I have to believe by now they’ve improved. Had Burbank a week or two ago. Very good!
I wish I liked their square pies. To me they look so much better than they taste. 
Blasphemy
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I can’t say that the square pies are transcendent, but they’re good enough for me. I do wish the slices were thicker and “fluffier,” though.
Besides Pizza Wagon, whose square pies do you like better??? 
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Have you tried out apollonia?
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Yes! ::smacks head:: I think I had a square slice there awhile back (like 6-8 mos ago?). Was handling some work stuff at the same time I was eating, which is prob I don’t have a clear memory. I do recall it being “fancier” in terms of the toppings, and I think the crust was prob closer to my ideal. I’ll need to try it again to make sure.
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I think Apollonia’s is the best square this side of Mama’s Too in New York. To me, Prince St is solid but not wait 20 minutes in line.
Though I know Detroit is a little different than Sicilian or Grandma, I found Quarter Sheets to be soggy. Liked De La Nonna but only had it once.
Is Apollonia’s still limiting when it’s available? Used to drive me crazy…
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