Peninsula Names Hsing Chen as Exec Pastry Chef

The Peninsula Chicago continues its run of changes. Following last year's closure of Avenues after chef Curtis Duffy announced his departure to open Grace in the West Loop, the grand hotel now names Hsing Chen as the executive pastry chef of the entire property, including Shanghai Terrace, the Lobby and in-room dining.

Chen, who has logged time at some of the country's top restaurants including The French Laundry, Manresa and Mercer Kitchen (in her position as corporate pastry chef for Jean-Georges Management), will create a pastry program based on seasonal ingredients. Interesting factoid: before turning her focus to desserts and training under famed chocolatier Pascal Janvier, Chen was an award-winning food journalist.
· Curtis Duffy Aiming for 3 Stars; Avenues Likely to Reconcept [~EChi~]