Gottino Gone Haywire

Looks like Chef Jody Williams' dispute with her business partner Michael Bull may have come to a head, with Jody looking to sell her share of the West Village gem Gottino -- exiting posthaste with the majority of the original staff in tow.

Let the mayhem ensue.

Yesterday's brunch was a mad house with a limited number of brand new staffers trying to forge ahead. Making matters worse, there wasn't a chef in sight. A valiant waitress picked up the baton (or kitchen tongs as it were) and ran with it, steaming eggs on the cappuccino machine, grilling panini and tossing salads, all-in-all trying to keep the wee Italian ship afloat.

I think I'll give it a few weeks to let them hit their stride -- and hire a chef -- before I venture back. Still, I can't help but wonder where the talented Chef Williams will appear next, with the former Gottino staff at the ready.