The Director of Operations for the Jacques Pépin Foundation, Marissa Ain and the foundation’s Culinary Producer, Susan Wilbur invited me to head up two major dinners in Florida for the program titled, “90 at 90” to celebrate the life of the amazing Chef and Educator.
The ones I am helping curate will be in Orlando and in Coconut Grove. The overall vison is 90 events across America over 2024/2025 of various sizes, styles and price points The official “kick-off” dinner will be at Gramercy Tavern on 10/6 hosted by Danny Meyer and Chef Mike Anthony. Thomas Keller is doing one at “The French Laundry” and Daniel Boulud at “Daniel”. This will be the case across the country as so many in our industry want to pay homage to Chef Pépin!
This particular post is about the dinner in Coconut Grove at the new, beautiful restaurant, “Sereia” headed up by Chef/Partner Henrique Sa-Pessoa and Chef de Cuisine Miguel Massens. You can also see the tremendous Guest Chef line up and the dishes, (along with some surprises!below.
Go to the link for information from ‘Sereia’ and the details on attending! Very soon more information will be available on the Jacques Pépin Foundation website. Reservations will be handled by ‘Sereia’. Attendance will be limited so please check with Sereia on their website or call the restaurant for details.
‘90 at 90’ Dinner in Coconut Grove at ‘Sereia’
Norman Van Aken, ‘NORMAN’S Orlando’
Vichyssoise with Sweet Corn & Caviar
Henrique Sa-Pessoa & Miguel Massens, ‘Sereia’:
Paupiette of Dover Sole, Sea Lettuce Mousse, Coriander ‘Pil Pil’
Michael Beltran, ‘Ariete’
‘Soufflé Américaine’
Crab, Lobster, Cave Aged Gruyère with Sauce Américaine
Danny Ganem, ‘Fiola’
Leeks & Tomatoes
Confit Leeks, Swank Farms Heirloom Tomatoes, Mustard Seeds, Mizuna
Michael Schwartz, ‘Michael’s Genuine’
Roasted Capon 2 Ways
Roasted Breast, Roulade, Wild Mushroom-Armagnac Sauce
Soraya Kilgore, ‘Kilgore Hospitality’
‘Gâteau for Gloria’
Brillat-Savarin Custard, Pink Guava Gelato
Pound Cake à la Jacques, Mint