Rumor has it that there's been a split between Fate chef Johnny Chu (who recently opened Sens, the sake bar that I just reviewed) and owner/landlord Norman Fox, and that one of the key players involved in the restaurant has taken the liquor license. From the looks of the sign hanging outside of Fate today (above), at least that much seems clear. There's also word that employees were spotted moving boxes out of Next Door, Fate's adjoining bar, at lunchtime.
Earlier today, a restaurant employee confirmed that Chu was no longer at Fate, although no further details were available. -- Michele Laudig