Oak & Reel
- When
- July 17, 2025
- Where
-
Oak & Reel
2921 E Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI - Tickets/Info
- Get Tickets
This year, we’re honored to partner with the Jacques Pépin Foundation for a special dinner as part of its “90 Chefs for 90 Years” series, recognizing Chef Pépin’s 90th birthday and his enduring commitment to culinary education.
For this special evening, we’re thrilled to welcome two chefs with a shared respect for classical technique and a deep love of French cuisine. Chef Danny Combs—owner of Cincinnati’s acclaimed Colette—brings his globally inspired palate and refined approach rooted in tradition. Joining him is Chef Dan Williams, Corporate Chef for Daniel Boulud, whose thoughtful, precise style has been honed in some of New York City’s most celebrated kitchens. Together, they’ll craft a collaborative menu that blends their distinct perspectives on French cuisine into one elegant, cohesive experience—an unforgettable contribution to the celebration of Jacques Pépin.
Highlights
- Dinner hosted by Oak & Reel’s Chef & Owner, Jared Gadbaw, and presented in sponsorship by Motor City Seafood.
- This event is the 2025 edition of The Culinary Collective—a unique dining series hosted by Oak & Reel that celebrates collaboration and craft by bringing acclaimed chefs from across the country into our kitchen for unforgettable one-night-only events.
- The dining experience is a 6-7 course tasting menu, accompanied by wine or non-alcoholic beverage pairing.
- Opened in September 2020, Oak & Reel has earned many accolades, including Detroit Hour Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year in 2022.
Details
- Doors open at 6:00 pm; Dinner begins at 6:30 pm..
- Due to the nature of the event, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Tickets are non-refundable but transferrable. We appreciate your understanding.
- Thanks to the generosity of the participating event host, a portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to the Jacques Pépin Foundation to support our mission of expanding access to culinary education. We deeply appreciate your generous support.
- Jacques Pépin proudly supports our 90/90 Celebrations. While he can't be present at all of them, we invite you to check our website for details on the events where he will joining in celebration.
- For more information, contact Oak & Reel
Event Host
Jared Gadbaw
Owner and chef, Oak & Reel
A Michigan native and French Culinary Institute graduate, Chef Jared Gadbaw’s culinary tenure has spanned over 25 years. While helming and opening several of the world’s most celebrated and acclaimed restaurants, Gadbaw has garnered some of the industry’s most coveted awards, including two Michelin stars.
Gadbaw’s expertise in Italian cuisine and fresh seafood helped inspire the idea for his first solo project in Detroit – contemporary Italian restaurant Oak & Reel. As chef and owner of the award-winning eatery, Gadbaw showcases the roots of his culinary career, while recreating the dining magic that has been the hallmark of his success.
Guest Chefs
Danny Combs
Chef/owner, Colette
Chef Danny Combs is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry, honing his craft through diverse experiences and drawing inspiration from extensive travels around the globe. From his start leading premier Cincinnati restaurants such as Sotto & Boca, he has dedicated his professional life to focusing on ingredients and technique while consistently staying grounded in tradition.
Now, as the proud owner of the esteemed restaurant Colette, Chef Combs brings his commitment to the artistry of French cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati’s iconic OTR neighborhood, Colette embraces the essence of both tradition and innovation.
Dan Williams
Corporate chef, Daniel Boulud
Chef Dan Williams is a Corporate Chef for Daniel Boulud and a classically trained culinarian with a deep respect for tradition and technique. He began his career working in restaurants along the North Carolina coast. From there, he went on to work under influential chefs like John Bell in Birmingham and Jonathan Benno at Lincoln Ristorante in New York City, where he spent nearly five years and was part of the team awarded a Michelin star.
Dan’s journey took him through the high-intensity kitchens of New York, including a pivotal role with the Altamarea Group and the opening of Vaucluse, a French restaurant on the Upper East Side, where he met and worked closely with Jared Gadbaw. Known for his thoughtful, precise approach to food and leadership, Dan brings both humility and rigor to every kitchen he enters.
He currently oversees culinary operations across Daniel Boulud’s restaurants and will join the Oak & Reel Culinary Collective for a special Jacques Pépin 90/90 dinner, celebrating the legacy of Chef Pépin and the enduring artistry of French cuisine.