Culinary Fundraiser at Pfister Hotel Honors Jacques Pepin
Some 20 area chefs to prepare small plates, raise funds for famed chef's mission.
The Pfister Hotel – 424 E. Wisconsin Ave
It’s not every day that a world-renowned chef turns 90, but Jacques Pépin will mark the occasion 90 times in 2025.
Known for his cooking shows, bestselling books, and time as personal chef to French President Charles de Gaulle, Pépin will reach the milestone on Dec. 18. The celebration, however, will last all year.
The 90/90 Dinner Series—a nationwide fundraising campaign featuring 90 ticketed events—will honor Pépin while supporting the Jacques Pépin Foundation, which provides culinary education for individuals facing employment barriers. One of those events will take place in Milwaukee.
“Through job training in food service for people facing employment barriers nationwide, and improved health and food literacy for all, the gifts collected during this campaign will make a lasting change for the better,” organizers wrote in a news release.
Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel, 425 E. Mason St., will host its celebration on March 24, featuring more than 20 Wisconsin chefs serving a variety of gourmet small plates in a cocktail-style gathering.
Mark Weber of Mason Street Grill will serve as host chef, joined by a committee that includes ‘Top Chef’ finalist Dan Jacobs of DanDan and EsterEv, as well as James Beard Award winners Adam Siegel of Lupi & Iris, Justin Aprahamian of Sanford and Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat.
Representatives from Amilinda, Bacchus, Birch, Buckley’s, Ca’ Lucchenzo, The Edison, Egg & Flour, Goodkind, Lake Park Bistro, Matilda Bakehouse, Pabst Theater Group, Pfister Hotel & Grand Geneva Pastry Chefs, Three Brothers, Heritage Tavern (Madison), I.D. (Delafield) and Brandywine (Cedarburg), will also be in attendance.
Marino Monferrato, vice president of hospitality at Daou Vineyards in Paso Robles and maître d’ on Gordon Ramsay’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ will lead the wine experience. A cash bar will be available for cocktails and beer.
The walk-around dining event will take place in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, with complimentary wine included with admission. Guests will be able to bid on a selection of culinary items—including some signed by celebrity chefs and Pépin—in a silent auction. While Pépin will not appear in person, he plans to join virtually for a special toast.
Proceeds from the event will directly support the Jacques Pépin Foundation and its mission to offer resources, scholarships and culinary training to adults with employment challenges, including those impacted by the justice system, those experiencing homelessness, individuals in recovery and historically underserved groups.
Tickets start at $135 for general admission, which includes food access from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., plus wine and seating. VIP tickets, priced at $185, extend food access to 5:45 p.m. and include upgraded wine options and reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased online.
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