The Artisan’s Palate
- When
- November 5, 2025
- Where
-
The Artisan’s Palate
1218 E 36th St Ste A
Charlotte, NC
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.
Highlights
- Five-course food and wine pairing — Delight in a meticulously crafted menu that features five courses, each thoughtfully paired with wines to enhance the flavors and textures of the dishes.
- Cheese selections from Orrman’s Cheese Shop — Savor the finest artisanal cheeses, handpicked by Rachel and Jose, and expertly incorporated into each course.
- French culinary excellence — Experience the essence of French cuisine, inspired by the mentorship and teachings of Jacques Pépin.
Details
- We will be doing one seating on Wednesday, November 5th at 6pm.
- Dress is business casual.
- 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 The Artisan’s Palate
Event Host
Christa Csoka
Chef/owner, The Artisan’s Palate
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Christa Csoka blends classical French training with a deep-rooted passion for community, creativity, and globally inspired cuisine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in NYC, her culinary journey led her through the kitchens of renowned restaurants such as Daniel (NYC), Tru and the Pump Room (Chicago), and others in Austin and Charlotte. She trained under legendary Master Chefs including Jacques Pépin, Jacques Torres, Alain Sailhac, and André Soltner.
She opened the Artisan’s Palate, a vibrant culinary and artistic hub in Charlotte, NC in 2019. Christa’s menu reflects her diverse culinary influences and personal stories. Her cuisine is “globally inspired, locally sourced,” with a strong emphasis on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also features a rotating art gallery, immersive tasting events, and a commitment to supporting local artisans and farmers. Her approach to hospitality is rooted in warmth, storytelling, and a belief that every culinary experience should engage all five senses.
Guest Chef
Rachel Klebaur and Jose Espinosa
Founder and chef, Orrman’s Cheese Shop
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.