Jean-Claude Vrinat, R.I.P.

I just learned that renowned restaurateur, Jean-Claude Vrinat, passed away on January 7. He was 71 years young. For over 30 years, Vrinat, owner of the Paris’ Taillevent restaurant, was regarded as the pinnacle of elegant French cuisine. One local chef deeply affected by this news is Mercury execuchef Chris Ward. He spent several summers as a guest celebrity chef in the kitchen at Taillevent and was one of the few people Vrinat called when he chose to dine stateside. In honor of Vrinat, Ward will host a “celebration of the life of Jean-Claude Vrinat” at Mercury restaurant on Friday. “He was by far one of the greatest restaurateurs and most respected wine experts of the culinary world,” says Ward. After Friday’s dinner, Ward will add a dish named after his friend and mentor to the menu. I say, pick up the phone now and make reservations. Chris Ward is ready to rock it and that’s always a treat.