Washingtonian reports today that chef Barton Seaver has left his post at Hook.

Seaver, formerly of Jaleo and Café Saint-Ex/Bar Pilar, has been with Hook since it opened in March 2007. Seaver has become a golden boy of sorts in the D.C.-area for his dedicated advocacy of sustainable seafood, and has been honored by the Blue Ocean Institute for his commitment to oceanic sustainability. It’s not surprising then that Seaver’s post-Hook plans include ambitions to work as a speaker and advocate for sustainability issues. Undoubtedly, we will be seeing his screen-worthy smile again in the near future, as well as his upcoming cookbook.

Controlling owner Jonathan Umbel says that Seaver will remain on board as a consultant to Hook and that Josh Whigham, chef de cuisine, will take over the kitchen. Umbel indicates that Whigham was already active in running the kitchen, so hopefully the transition will be smooth. This is the second major shake-up within the Pure Hospitality restaurant group recently, with chef Robert Bechtold having left sister restaurant Tackle Box just a few weeks ago in a very public cloud of dust.