Las Vegas Weekly has learned that chef Gary FX LaMorte has left Andre’s at Monte Carlo, putting him at the top of the free agent list in the Vegas culinary world at the moment. LaMorte joined the restaurant in fall 2008 after working down the street at Bouchon, and the New York native wasted little time in putting his stamp on Andre’s. LaMorte significantly revised Andre’s approach to French cuisine—in particular, creative use of offal and foie gras (martini, anyone?)—blending ingredient-driven seasonality with artistry over classical preparations. The restaurant was recently named Best French Restaurant Las Vegas for 2011by Zagat. LaMorte, who also travels with the competitive ACF team and mentors high school chefs, hasn’t announced his next move, but apparently intends to stay put, telling us, “I love the Vegas community and feel there’s still great opportunity both on and off the Strip.”