Chef Garrett Lipar Exits Marais in Grosse Pointe, David Gilbert Returns to the Helm

Just a few months after taking up residence at Marais in Grosse Pointe, chef Garrett Lipar has left the restaurant. Marais' team made the announcement via Facebook on Wednesday evening. In his absence the restaurant will return to its roots in contemporary French cuisine under chef/owner David Gilbert.

"Garrett has moved on to do some travels and continue his studies," Gilbert tells Eater. Gilbert says that from the beginning his partnership with Lipar was temporary, giving the young chef a place to work following the closure of Torino and Gilbert the opportunity to travel and focus on his consulting. Lipar could not be reached immediatly for comment, however Gilbert says he believes the chef is planning to travel to South America. "He's a world traveler."

The announcement came on the same day that Lipar was named semifinalist for the James Beard Rising Star of the Year award for the second year in a row. "He's a dear friend of ours so we're just very happy for him and excited for him," Gilbert says of the nomination.

Transitioning from Torino to Marais, Lipar aimed to elevate Michigan cuisine on the international culinary stage. Under his stewardship, the team at Marais developed an ambitious program that applied preservation techniques to a wide array of local meats and produce. "We want to be one of the 100 best restaurants in the world," he told Eater in September.