TONY has just learned that chef de cuisine Joshua McFadden is leaving the buzzed-about Prospect Heights locavore pizzeria Franny’s. Acting on a tip, we called the Bruni darling to learn that McFadden is packing up his knives in about a week and taking off for Blue Hill, where he’ll start as a line cook “in a few weeks.” Though TONY had heard that there was some friction between chef-owner Andrew Feinberg and McFadden—over changes Feinberg allegedly wanted to make, including dialing back the pastas that had the Great Bruni salivating—neither would confirm, though McFadden did mention a plan to “go back to simpler food.”

The reason behind his departure? McFadden says: “To continue cooking and learning,” Feinberg says: “No, no reason for his departure.” Was it good having him on board? “Yes, it was fantastic,” Feinberg replied evenly. The owner affirmed that the menu will stay the same, that he is not looking for a new chef de cuisine at this time, and that “someone from within will hold that position.” McFadden told us that his colleagues Brandon Gillis (Tabla) and Danny Amend (Per Se, Ducasse), both cooks at Franny’s, will be “stepping up,” and that it will be a “group effort” for the time being.