Chef Chris Patrick has exited Abacus as Chad Bowden takes the kitchen

Chris Patrick has exited Abacus, where he’s served as executive chef/culinary director since Abacus founding chef Kent Rathbun turned in his keys nearly two years ago.

Remember that? That’s the day we revealed that Rathbun had decamped from the restaurant he built, co-owned and eventually lost in a messy lawsuit. I remember that day well – the traffic crashed our site, and we were down for three days.

Patrick is now the new culinary director of Vandelay Hospitality Group, the guys behind East Hampton Sandwich Co and Hudson House.

Abacus is today in the capable hands of chef Chad Bowden, Patrick’s number two there. Bowden confirmed today that he’s now Abacus’ executive chef, making him the top chef in the Abacus kitchen and culinary program.