Chef Elliott Vogel to lead kitchen at Panza's in Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The talented chef Elliott Vogel, who has led kitchens at multiple prominent restaurants locally, has been named executive chef of Panza's only a few months after he resigned from The Delaware Restaurant and Bar in Albany to go into institutional dining.

Michael Panza, who owns the South Broadway restaurant with his brother, Tony, on Tuesday confirmed Vogel's hiring.

"We're so excited to have him joining us," Panza said. Vogel officially starts next week, he said, but will work at the restaurant this weekend as he eases into the role. Tony Panza, who has been the restaurant's head chef for many years, will remain a strong presence but wishes to step back a little, Panza said. (Michael Panza is in his late 60s, Tony several years older.)

Vogel, acclaimed for his food at Jack's Oyster House in Albany, Daley on Yates in Schenectady, Siro's in Saratoga and The Delaware, has been tasked with maintaining the Italian classics with which Panza's has made its name for almost 90 years while also evolving parts of the menu, Panza said.

"He will bring in some exciting new dishes and put a fresh twist on some things," Panza said.

Vogel did not return messages seeking comment. When he left The Delaware three months ago, according to its owners, he cited personal reasons including family considerations for the decision.

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