Robert Aikens

Robert Aikens is a highly accomplished chef with an extensive culinary background spanning multiple countries and cuisines. He began his career in Norwich, England, where he trained in French and English cooking techniques.1 Aikens has had a diverse and successful career, including:

Career Highlights

• Working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe1
• Serving as a private chef for the CEO of Citigroup1
• Holding positions as Corporate Executive Chef for Starr Restaurants and Executive Chef at Starr properties in Philadelphia and New York1
• Leading the culinary team that reopened the iconic Pastis restaurant in New York in 20191
• Serving as Executive Chef of Restaurant Veronika in New York1
• Winning against Bobby Flay on the Food Network show "Beat Bobby Flay" in 20181

Current Role

Robert Aikens is currently the Executive Chef and Partner of Destination Unknown Restaurants in Washington, D.C. This restaurant group is known for several establishments, including:

• Las Gemelas Cocina Mexicana (2021)
• Taqueria Las Gemelas (2021)
• Espita (2016)
• Ghostburger (2020)1

Expertise in Mexican Cuisine

Aikens has developed a unique style of Mexican cuisine, blending traditional Mexican flavors and techniques with classic French techniques and local mid-Atlantic ingredients. He gained this expertise through:

• Studying at Enrique Olivera's "Pujol" in Mexico City
• Training at "Criollo" in Oaxaca
• Learning from mezcalero families in rural Oaxaca1

Recent Achievements

• Welcomed President Biden to Taqueria Las Gemelas in May 2021
• Finalist in the 2021 RAMMY awards for "Best Ghost kitchen or Popup" with Ghostburger1

Robert Aikens' culinary journey has taken him from high-end European restaurants to innovative Mexican-inspired establishments in the United States, showcasing his versatility and expertise as a chef.