It's been reported elsewhere already, but I thought I'd flesh it out a little. I just got off the phone with BellaBrava co-owner Mike Harting. Here's what he had to say about last week's decision to part company with the talented and itinerant chef, Domenica Macchia:

"It was 100 percent amicable, a big love fest. What happened? Donnie's creativity far exceeds what this restaurant is capable of day to day. We're an Italian restaurant that serves simple comfort foods."

What next for Bella? Harting says the restaurant will keep the current menu in place and will function with new kitchen manager Ty Weaver (he starts tomorrow and has been with Outback for the past 18 years). Additionally, Harting is interviewing chef consultants for more big-picture management--Weaver will see to the day-to-day. As per Bella's move to Beach, it's all-systems-go. They are done with the demolition part of the project and are about to start construction, with a target opening date the first week in August.

And what's next for Macchia, you ask? I've heard some interesting rumors, and I know she's got some irons in the fire. I'll be giving you an update on where she settles soon.