A Michelin-starred chef is taking over the kitchen of a top Toronto restaurant

Chef Rafael Covarrubias, who helped earn Hexagon and 7 Enoteca one Michelin star and Bib Gourmand status, respectively, announced his departure from the Oakville restaurants over Instagram in early November. His last day will be December 20.

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We caught up with Covarrubias earlier today as he was shopping for plates. “I’m forever grateful for my time at Hexagon and 7 Enoteca because they’re the restaurants that allowed me to find my identity as a chef. It’s where I learned how to run a restaurant, where I learned the importance of mentorship and perseverance and—most importantly—how to build something that lasts.”

But, when one menu closes, another one opens: Covarrubias will be joining the team at 20 Victoria, replacing chef Julie Hyde. “I feel so excited and nervous all at once,” Covarrubias says. “I start the second week of January, and I’ll be tag-teaming it with 20 Victoria owner Chris White.” And he’s not coming alone—he’s also bringing a couple of Hexagon team members with him. “I feel very lucky to have my chef de cuisine Jordan Wilkinson and sous-chef Victoria Rinsma with me.” Consider this culinary deck stacked.

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When asked how he might shake things up in the 20 Victoria kitchen, Covarrubias said that guests may see some of his Mexican heritage expressed in the four- and seven-course tasting menus. “Ultimately, it will be about honouring the ingredients while highlighting top producers and their quality products.”

Fans of a particular popular dish at Hexagon will be happy about the last bit of news Covarrubias shared: “My signature aged duck will make an appearance.”