Ubuntu Finally Speaks: It Was An "Amicable Separation"

While Deanie Fox settles into her new digs at Manresa, at last there's some word from Ubuntu about last week's reports that head chef/partner Jeremy Fox suddenly parted ways with the high-profile Napa restaurant that he helped build. In the most-anticipated public statements since the Tiger Woods press conference (not really but you get the point), the official word is predictably vague, namely that Ubuntu owner Sandy Lawrence and Fox "announce Fox’s resignation to pursue other interests." So, make of that what you will.

The restaurant will try to stay the course in the post-Fox era. Taking over the kitchen will be Fox's executive sous chef, Aaron London, who helped open the restaurant two-plus years ago. Since then, London put in a stint at Bottega under Michael Chiarello; he's also got experience at Paris three-star L’Astrance in Paris.
and New York heavyhitters like Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Daniel.

UBUNTU RESTAURANT OWNER SANDY LAWRENCE AND CHEF/PARTNER JEREMY FOX ANNOUNCE AMICABLE SEPARATION; AARON LONDON ASSUMES POSITION OF CHEF DE CUISINE

NAPA, CA—February 22, 2010 – Ubuntu Restaurant Owner Sandy Lawrence and Chef/Partner Jeremy Fox announce Fox’s resignation to pursue other interests. Aaron London, Chef Fox’s former Executive Sous Chef will assume the position of Chef de Cuisine.

“We have been delighted to work with Jeremy on the creation of this great restaurant,” says Ubuntu Owner Sandy Lawrence. “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.”

“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.