Randal St. Clair confirmed to the Mercury today that he has been ousted from 50 plates. Apparently it came as quite a surprise given that he not only created the menu but also the recipes for the newish Pearl District American food emporium.

To make the whole thing even more confounding, the reviews of 50 Plates have been quite positive. I can say that my meal there, for the restaurant's preview, was both overwhelming and quite satisfying.

With St. Clair being cut from the team less than a year since the restaurant's opening, it's difficult to say what the future holds for the eatery. St. Clair, for his part, is optimistic about his future.

If you'd like to have an idea of what St. Clair was doing at 50 Plates, check out the recipe he submitted for the Mercury's Guide to Food and Entertaining.

Best of luck to him as he re-groups.