Merci Beaucoup

On Oct. 21, a crowd of grateful diners, delighted food writers, and city enthusiasts assembled to celebrate the 60th birthday of Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel and his place in Cincinnati’s culinary, and cultural, life. The corner of Seventh and Vine streets was renamed in his honor.

Hosted by Steve McGowan of Brave Berlin, using the actual maître d’s stand from The Maisonette as a podium, speakers included a who’s who of Cincinnati civic life.

But the most heartfelt tribute to the work and life of Chef Jean-Robert were the all of the chefs – in their chef’s coats – who had worked with and for him over the past three decades who all gathered to show their support and admiration for a man who changed Cincinnati restaurants and its food scene forever.