Michael Scelfo No Longer With Naco Taco

Alden & Harlow chef Michael Scelfo. Photo by Kristin Teig.

In a surprise move, chef Michael Scelfo has left his newly opened Central Square taqueria, Naco Taco, and turned over the reigns to Alden & Harlow alums Amanda Howell and Robert Preciado. Billed as a “consultant” on the project, Scelfo first conceptualized and executed the restaurant’s menu and food program, but now turns his attention back to Alden & Harlow, and his new mystery endeavor at 1030 Massachusetts Avenue, slated to open in Harvard Square in 2016.

“Michael was instrumental in helping us get off the ground at Naco, and creating a menu that our guests have really responded to,” said co-owner Brian Lesser via a press release. “His guidance has been invaluable and we appreciate everything he has done- we’ll continue to look to him as resource in this industry.”

New menu items from chef de cuisine Howell and sous chef Preciado include a summer salad with grilled gem lettuce, papaya chimichurri, charred corn, compressed papaya and radish; as well as a shrimp taco seared on the plancha, topped with salsa verde, pickled kumquats, and cucumber.

297 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; nacocentral.com.