Eric Ripert leaving 10 Arts

Chef Eric Ripert is stepping away from his affiliation with Philly's Ritz-Carlton Hotel after nearly five years.

He told me that a project in New York affiliated with his famed Le Bernardin required too much of his time.

Ripert and sous chef Nathan Volz addressed staff today at 10 Arts, the hotel's landmark restaurant.

Volz, who manages the day-to-day operation at 10 Arts, will continue to run the kitchen while Miguel Hernandez, the hotel's assistant food-and-beverage director, will continue to oversee the dining room. Ripert will finish 2012 at the hotel.

Ripert yesterday delivered similar news to the staff at Westend Bistro at the D.C. Ritz-Carlton.

10 Arts spawned Top Chef chef'testant Jennifer Carroll, who was a Ripert deputy when she came down to her hometown in 2008 to open the restaurant.