As the table turns

So much news in the local restaurant world these days. We’ve just heard that Jeannie Pierola has split from the Laxler family this weekend, departing Bern’s and SideBern’s in Tampa as chef/partner. Look for Chris Sherman’s story in tomorrow’s paper for more details of the split. In other news of women in the kitchen, Redwoods in St. Petersburg has just lost their chef, Domenica Macchia. It’s rumored the restaurant is up for sale. The newly opened Chateau France in Tampa’s SoHo area has already changed hands, becoming Chateau SoHo and losing its PeptoDismal paint job and froufrou accent overnight. And at the site of the former Durangos in the Largo Mall, Matchstick Grill has opened, serving up fajitas and other Tex/Southwest family-friendly fare in place of Durangos steaks and chops.