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Chef Phillip Mariano has left*Josephine Estelle*(600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070; www.josephineestelle.com), the Southern-leaning Italian restaurant inside the Ace Hotel.

Mariano, who previously worked as chef de cuisine at Domenica, was tapped by James Beard award-nominated chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman to helm the restaurant when the hotel opened earlier this year.

As of last week, a representative for the hotel confirmed Mariano's departure ?to pursue other opportunities.? In the interim, the sous chef Ysaac Ramirez has stepped up to executive chef.?