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English-born chef Robert Aikens has left The Peacock and The Shakespeare in the William hotel. The chef, who previously worked for Stephen Starr in Philadelphia, agreed to open both restaurants with Yves Jadot and Jason Hicks around this time last year. In a statement, Aikens notes:
I love the intensity and comradery of an opening and setting up the kitchen and brigade as you never know what might be thrown your way in opening weeks, ours was several burst pipes flooding the kitchen! The entire kitchen team has been great and have worked tirelessly to get the Peacock and Shakespeare where it is today and I wish them all the best for the future.No word yet on what Aikens has planned next, but it sounds like he's intent on opening another restaurant in New York City.
For now, chef/restaurateur Jason Hicks will be stepping behind the line in his kitchens. In a statement, the restaurateur notes:
Chef Aikens is extremely talented and a man I have admired for many years. Though we've decided to move in a different direction, the entire family here at The Peacock and The Shakespeare wish him nothing but the best in all future endeavors. I will be helming the kitchen for both restaurants as we continue to focus on weaving together "the best of British" and approachable, seasonal cuisine.The Shakespeare and The Peacock have received good reviews from the critics so far. In addition to those two restaurants, Hicks and partner Yves Jadot also operate Jones Wood Foundry on the Upper East Side.
· All Coverage of Robert Aikens [~ENY~]
· All Chef Shuffles [~ENY~]
