Celebrate Jacques Pépin: 90/90 Dinner

Chai Pani Decatur invites you to celebrate Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday with a tribute dinner prepared by chefs Sahar Siddiqi and Gabriel Johnson, hosted by Meherwan and Molly Irani. As part of the 90/90 campaign, this dinner supports the Jacques Pépin Foundation’s first national fundraising campaign with the goal to raise a record amount of funds to advance the JPF’s mission of improving lives through culinary education. More information can be found at celebratejacques.org.

Culinary education is a huge part of Chai Pani Decatur Chef de Cuisine, Sahar Siddiqi’s story. She met her husband of seven years, Gabriel Johnson, while they were both enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America. They’ve been on their own journey of love through food ever since (including a recent anniversary trip through France)! During this dinner, they'll be cooking as a duo, bridging classically refined French techniques with the vibrant world of Indian flavors and cooking the food that means the most to them.

Jacques Pépin has helped the world fall in love with French cuisine, and inspired chefs to carry on classic French techniques into the future. The Jacques Pépin Foundation provides grants to community kitchens across the country and celebrates the culinary arts in programs accessible to everyone. Siddiqi, Johnson, and the Chai Pani Decatur team are excited to support the ongoing mission of the JPF and welcome you to celebrate Pépin’s milestone birthday!

• VIP hour will be hosted by Chai Pani founders/owners, Meherwan & Molly Irani.
• Menu will be inspired by Sahar & Gabriel’s recent travels through France and reflects local and seasonal products from our local farm partners.
• Wine or non-alcoholic pairings will be available with the meal.
• Sahar Siddiqi is a semi-finalist for Best Chef Southeast James Beard Award.
• Chai Pani Decatur is recommended by MICHELIN and the New York Times.

• Proceeds will support the Jacques Pépin Foundation. Your ticket purchase helps transform lives through culinary education, and 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.
• VIP hour will begin at 6pm, with dinner at 6:45pm. Please contact Chai Pani Decatur for more information.

• MEHERWAN IRANI is the Co-Founder, Chef and CEO of Chai Pani Restaurant Group. Through his restaurant and spice empire in the South’s most essential culinary cities, he is changing the perception of Indian food in America. He's been named a Game Changer by Food & Wine and one of Time Magazine's 31 People Changing the South.
• MOLLY IRANI is the Co-founder and Chief Hospitality Officer. She is responsible for CPRG's groundbreaking culture, management style, community engagement and “mindblasting” hospitality.

• SAHAR SIDDIQI is the Chef de Cuisine at Chai Pani in Decatur, GA. She is extremely passionate about cooking South Asian cuisine using seasonal & local ingredients from the Southeast and building community through food. A New York native and a true virgo, she packs a fierce attitude into her 5' tall stature. When she's not cooking or eating, she's a lover of traveling, hiking, and taking her two young daughters on adventures.
• GABRIEL (GABE) JOHNSON is the Executive Chef at Houston's restaurant in Atlanta, a Navy Veteran, a loving husband, and a father of two sassy little girls. His Italian heritage has lended to his love of food and family. In his free time, he loves making fresh pasta, playing and watching soccer, and fishing for trout in the Chattahoochee.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Chai Pani Decatur, 406 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, United States