Beard-nominated pastry chef Deanie Fox, who along with husband Jeremy Fox abandoned ship at Ubuntu in the last couple of weeks, has turned up back at her former haunt, Manresa. The restaurant touted Deanie’s return on their blog over the weekend, and we imagine this means that Jeremy’s weekend road trip down to L.A. was likely not for business purposes. We expect word from Ubuntu about replacements for Fox and Fox sometime this week. Update: We spoke too soon — into our inbox arrives word that Jeremy’s replacement is Executive Sous Chef Aaron London, and apparently the rest of the staff remains intact despite the Chron’s claims otherwise. See the full press release below.
“Jeremy was instrumental in opening and creating the foundation for Ubuntu which helped establish the restaurant as a leading Northern California destination, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We look forward to Chef Aaron London ushering the restaurant into its next chapter,” says owner Sandy Lawrence.
“Helping establish Ubuntu as a pioneer in America’s fine dining scene has been a labor of love for me and an accomplishment I’m very proud of. I look forward to pursuing new opportunities,” says Jeremy Fox.
Chef Aaron London opened Ubuntu over two years ago under Chef Fox. Aaron worked his way through all of the stations and quickly rose to Executive Sous Chef and finally Chef de Cuisine, spending a short period at Bottega restaurant in Yountville to further develop his front of house and management skills. Prior to Ubuntu, London garnered his experience at the award-winning Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Daniel in New York, au Pied de Cochon in Montreal, and the three star L’Astrance in Paris.
London will continue Ubuntu’s commitment to craft a daily-changing “vegetable” menu from the restaurant’s own biodynamic garden and greenhouse. The Ubuntu staff remains intact and service continues as usual.
Welcome, Deanie [Manresa]
Earlier: Jeremy Fox, and Possibly His Staff, Are Leaving Ubuntu [Grub Street]
