The Revolving Torte
It seems like it’s the season for pastry chef musical chairs, as the Washingtonian’s Todd Kliman lets us in on a bevy of changes in Washington’s world of caster sugar and ganache.

Equinox’ Lisa Scruggs starts the chain reaction, as she is headed across the river to serve as dessert overseer for the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (the folks who own Vermillion, Evening Star Café, Tallula, and Rustico). She and the managers for the NRG are also working on a concept bakery/coffee café/lounge (tentatively called “The Bakery,” please call us for some brainstorming on that one) next to Rustico on Slater Lane in Alexandria.

Filling in behind Scruggs at Equinox is Vidalia’s Naomi Gallegos. Naomi’s spot will be taken by sister-restaurant Bistro Bis’ pâtissière Heather Martindale. Beverly Bates, who has worked there under Martindale at Bis, will move to fill that position. Whew! I think they should put on a pastry battle just to show us what all the fuss is about.

Mayday! Where the Hell is Our Kitchen Staff?!
If you haven’t heard, this year’s May Day will be a double celebration. Not only will all the children dance their ribbons around a big pole, but the immigrants will be there too. The only thing is their dancing is more like “staging a walk out” and their ribbons will be made of justice.