Who can resist a summertime soirée? No matter where you are in the country, the produce is never better than in the good ole summertime, and chefs love to make use of the exquisite ingredients of the season! We were very fortunate to have four fantastic venues host memorable dinners in support of the JPF’s mission in July.

July 17, 2025 at Oak & Reel in Detroit, MI

The acclaimed Oak & Reel transformed its dining room into a celebration of French culinary mastery for this sold-out special edition of Oak & Reel’s The Culinary Collective series. Chef Jared Gadbaw, the two-Michelin-starred chef-owner, welcomed guest chefs Danny Combs and Dan Williams. The evening showcased a collaborative six course tasting menu that blended the distinct perspectives of the three accomplished chefs, each bringing their refined approach to classical French technique. The dinner perfectly embodied Jacques’ legacy of precision and artistry, creating an elegant tribute that honored both tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit’s culinary renaissance.

July 20, 2025 at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, KY

The charming Holly Hill Inn hosted a sold-out “Joyeux Anniversaire du Bluegrass” celebration that brought French joie de vivre to Kentucky’s horse country. Chef Ouita Michel collaborated with Chef Marc Puil of La Deauville Bistro and Martine Holzman of Martine’s Pastries for Kentucky’s only 90/90 tribute to Jacques. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the inn’s gardens before a three-course dinner served at communal tables. The evening concluded with an elaborate cake by Chef Martine, styled as a bourbon barrel topped with a chef toque and a figure of Jacques. The evening perfectly capturing Jacques’ spirit of exceptional food and drink shared among friends.

July 26, 2025 at Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga, CA

The picturesque Frank Family Vineyards created a stunning tribute to Jacques that perfectly married French culinary artistry with Napa Valley’s finest wines. Chef Christina Machamer, a trained sommelier herself, crafted an elevated menu inspired by Jacques’ classic recipes for guests gathered at the renowned winery. The evening began with a reception on the patio, where guests enjoyed canapés and glasses of bubbly with breathtaking vineyard views. The celebration continued with a four-course dinner, each dish expertly paired with Frank Family’s estate wines to create a sophisticated wine country experience that honored Jacques’ legacy of excellence.

July 28, 2025 at BOKA Restaurant Group in Chicago, IL

The iconic Girl & The Goat became the stage for a powerhouse collaboration as four of BOKA Restaurant Group’s most celebrated chefs united to honor Jacques. Chef Stephanie Izard joined forces with her celebrated Chicago colleagues, Lee Wolen (Boka Restaurant), Gene Kato (Momotaro), and Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons). The evening featured a family-style dinner with wine pairings, where the quartet presented playful interpretations of Jacques Pépin classics. Communal seating created a warm, convivial atmosphere, while Chef Urban of Chicago’s Silver Fork at Center on Halstead provided guests with perspective on what a grant from the JPF can mean to Community Kitchens and the people they serve.

90/90 Press

The media took notice of these celebrations, too:

• Napa Valley Focus featured the Frank Family Vineyards celebration
• The popular bourbon website FredMinick.com promoted the Holly Hill Inn dinner as a destination for Woodford Reserve.

Every 90/90 event advances the JPF’s mission to increase access to culinary education for all, and we are so grateful for the support of the host chefs and the guests who attended these celebrations!