When chefs Kris Tominaga and Brian Dunsmoor left the Hart and the Hunter in the Palihotel in 2014, it wasn't clear how much of the original magic of the place would stick around. Tominaga and Dunsmoor had effectively created L.A.'s first true modern Southern restaurant, and while Dunsmoor went on to continue that legacy at Ladies Gunboat Society and now at Hatchet Hall, Tominaga seemed to go in a more European direction at Cadet. Cadet closed early last month, leaving Tominaga at loose ends. 

Today comes news that Tominaga is returning to the Hart and the Hunter, this time as group executive chef for Paligroup, which owns the Palihotel and also Palihouse in West Hollywood and Santa Monica. He'll be updating the Hart and the Hunter menu with a “lighter, more modern take on the original Southern-inspired fare.” Some of the menu favorites, such as the fantastic biscuits, will remain, while other dishes will be replaced with new items.  

Tominaga will eventually bring new food options to Paligroup's other properties. According to Paligroup reps, he  “will be handling all development and execution for the culinary concepts across the Paligroup platform.” There will be more details on those projects shortly. 

The new Hart and the Hunter dinner menu from Tominaga is set to debut today, with new breakfast and lunch dishes coming soon. 

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