Bill Addison of Atlanta Magazine tweeted the news over the weekend: The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is losing its chef, two-time James Beard award nominee Arnaud Berthelier.

An email to the elite hotel’s public relations department confirmed that Berthelier is leaving, but would not elaborate on his replacement. I spoke with Berthelier, who also confirmed the information today. He could not, however, speak yet of his plans — only that they would not be in Atlanta. His last day at the Dining Room is October 1.

The classically trained chef joins a long line of super stars to be launched by the Ritz’s posh dining room: Guenter Seeger, Joel Antunes and Bruno Menard all began Atlanta careers helming the five-star restaurant’s kitchen; all eventually left to open their own restaurants or work over seas.

Berthelier has been with the Atlanta restaurant, a flagship for the Ritz-Carlton, for four years. In 2007 and 2008 he was nominated for the James Beard Award, the most coveted recognition in the American food world. In this photo, he’s putting the finishing touches on a dish that encompassed many of the influences he allowed for in his varied style, from African and Asian to Mediterranean: Lamb loin with an aromatic garam masala crust, sweet potato and licorice puree, roasted pear polenta and a tangy lemon froth.

I’ll update with where Berthelier is headed, as well as who might replace him, when I know more. Until then, bon chance to Berthelier.