Under the Toque: State Chefs, Jamie Oliver’s Treasure

In chef news this week:

British chef Jamie Oliver found a treasure worth $1.7 million hidden in the basement of his latest restaurant. [NY Post]

Who knew that Florida is the only state with a full-time official chef? Justin Timineri’s job is to create healthy menus for people in the food-stamp program, and be an ambassador for Florida’s food products and dishes around the world. [AP]

Robert Aita is leaving Fiore in Williamsburg to open his own 30-seat restaurant in Clinton Hill. [Insatiable Critic]

Vikas Khanna of Junoon and Sarma Melngailis of Pure Food & Wine are the semifinalists for Eater’s Hottest Chef 2012 competition. At 1 p.m. today, Eater will announce the winner. [Eater]

Corton’s pastry chef, Shawn Gawle, was named one of Food & Wine‘s Best New Pastry Chefs in the U.S. [Eater]