Rachel Klebaur and Jose Espinosa
Rachel Klebaur and Jose Espinosa share a deep appreciation for cheese, food, and hospitality — roots that trace back to their time at the French Culinary Institute, where culinary legend Jacques Pépin served as their Dean.
Rachel’s journey began with a revelatory moment tasting a sheep’s milk cheese, sparking a lifelong curiosity about the science and art of cheesemaking. Jose, a third culture kid, launched his culinary career in New York City at Payard. While their paths were different, they’re united by a love of good cheese, natural wines, and a dedication to bringing thoughtful, delicious experiences to the table.
Related Event
The Artisan’s Palate is a restaurant, craft cocktail/wine bar and art gallery in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte offering a globally-inspired/locally-sourced menu in a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on art and those who create it. For this special 90/90 event, Chef Christa Csoka and the husband-and-wife team Rachel Klebaur and Jose Espinosa from Orrman's Cheese Shop — all alumni and classmates from the French Culinary Institute during Jacques Pépin’s tenure as Dean — will offer a sumptuous five-course food and wine pairing. Each course will highlight the exquisite cheeses from Orrman's Cheese Shop, seamlessly blended with our French culinary heritage to showcase the profound influence of Jacques Pépin on their culinary journeys.