As summer heated up, so did the Jacques Pépin Foundation’s 90/90 Campaign! From JPF Grantee organizations, like House of Bah Foundation and Philabundance Community Kitchen, to intimate gatherings with culinary legends, each host raised vital funds and awareness for culinary education initiatives that change lives—proving that great food and meaningful impact go hand in hand.
June 1, 2025 at House of Bah Foundation at Le Voltaire French Restaurant in Omaha, NE
Nebraska’s exclusive 90/90 celebration was a day-long tribute at Le Voltaire French Restaurant, featuring both elegant brunch and innovative dinner menus. Chef Djibril Djamil Bah-Traore, founder of JPF Grantee House of Bah Foundation, collaborated with Le Voltaire’s Wilson Calixte and Cedric Fichepain to present European classics in the morning and vibrant Afro-French fusion cuisine for dinner. The celebration honored Jacques while showcasing House of Bah Foundation’s transformative work in empowering immigrants and refugees through culturally affirming culinary education in America’s heartland.
June 4, 2025 at The Publican in Chicago, IL
The award-winning Publican transformed its iconic Fulton Market space into a French culinary showcase as Chef Paul Kahan orchestrated a collaborative five-course tribute. Six talented chefs from One Off Hospitality’s acclaimed collective—including Thomas Hollensed, Kyle Huff, Dylan Patel, Rob Levitt, Greg Wade, and Natalie Saben—each contributed to a menu featuring Jacques-inspired classics like Duck à l’Orange and Crepe Cake. Donnie Madia, a founding partner of the storied Chicago restaurant group One Off Hospitality, shared a heartfelt account of what Jacques has meant to him through the years. The celebration perfectly captured Jacques’ philosophy of simple, exceptional ingredients prepared with precision and served with warmth.
June 5, 2025 at Galit & Café Yaya in Chicago, IL
Michelin-starred Chef Zachary Engel collaborated with Chef Bill Kim (Urbanbelly) to serve his acclaimed Middle Eastern cuisine in the elegant event space at his new Cafe Yaya. The four-course menu was served in Galit’s signature communal style and featured creative wine pairings from boutique Middle Eastern winemakers. The fusion honored Jacques’ influence on Engel’s early cooking career while showcasing the unexpected connections between French technique and Middle Eastern flavors. Dina Altieri from JPF Partner Catalyst Kitchens Network and Margot Neibes from JPF Grantee Inspiration Corporation were on hand to share their perspective on how culinary workforce development uplifts Chicago’s neighborhoods and dynamic restaurant scene.
June 10, 2025 — Philadelphia Friends of Jacques Pépin (organized by High Street Hospitality Group) in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s culinary luminaries united at JPF Grantee Philabundance Community Kitchen for an inspiring celebration that embodied Jacques’ commitment to culinary education. High Street Hospitality Group’s Eli Collins led an extraordinary collaboration with Nicholas Bazik (Provenance), Abigail Dahan (Provenance), Chris Kearse (Forsythia), Shola Olunloyo (Studio Kitchen), Greg Vernick (Vernick Food & Drink), and Christopher Curtin (Éclat Chocolate). The dinner took place in the training center with students actively participating in the prep and plating, demonstrating the strength of the Community Kitchen’s vocational program. This mission-driven evening epitomized Jacques’ belief in food as a pathway to empowerment.
June 12, 2025 — Dinner in the Garden with Rick Bayless in Chicago, IL
The legendary Rick Bayless opened his Bucktown home for an intimate al fresco celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of Jacques’ love for sharing meals with friends. The Chef and his wife Deann created a magical garden party atmosphere and served exceptional wines alongside a menu of lovingly prepared regional Mexican cuisine. This rare private dinner showcased the warm hospitality and authentic flavors that have made Bayless a champion of Mexican culinary traditions, creating an evening of connection and community.
June 21, 2025 at Koko Head Café in Honolulu, HI
The beloved Koko Head Cafe became the setting for a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaiian collaboration as Chef Lee Anne Wong paid tribute to her time working alongside Jacques at the French Culinary Institute with an incredible menu of French classics. Wong joined forces with culinary legends Roy Yamaguchi (Roy’s Hawaii), Robynne Maii (Fête), and Michelle Karr-Ueoka (MW Restaurant) for an evening that brought together some of Hawaii’s most celebrated chefs. This special 90/90 dinner made Honolulu part of the nationwide movement honoring Jacques, with Wong’s personal connection to the maestro adding heartfelt authenticity to the tropical tribute.
June 25, 2025 — Stone Acres Dinner hosted by Renée Touponce and Natalia Vallejo in Stonington, CT
A truly magical evening unfolded under the summer stars at the historic Stone Acres Farm as Jacques himself attended this heartfelt tribute hosted by Chef Reneé Touponce and Chef Natalia Vallejo. The outdoor celebration featured Puerto Rican-inspired cuisine honoring Jacques’ late wife Gloria, whose Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage introduced him to new flavors. Chicken livers a la Gloria and arroz con pollo with platano leaves were high points of the menu, and chocolate flan cake with orange and hazelnuts made a sweet finale. This extraordinary dinner demonstrated how Jacques’ legacy continues to inspire chefs while supporting culinary education.
Wrapping Up
With participation from so many amazing chefs and inspirational Community Kitchens all over the country, the June 90/90 Celebrations served as a great reminder that people everywhere are invested in the JPF’s mission and work.