Jacques Pépin wins first Julia Child Foundation Award

On Thursday evening, the Julia Child Foundation presented its first award, honoring Jacques Pépin for “the influence he has had on the way America cooks, eats, and drinks.” The Foundation is named after the American chef, author and television personality who was a long-time friend and cooking partner of Pépin.

Child and Pépin co-authored cookbooks and often appeared on television programs together.  In presenting the award, the Foundation cited Pépin’s “mastery in the kitchen and long career teaching and writing about the culinary world.” Eric Spivey, Foundation chairman, said “He is someone who deeply believes in teaching others about food and wine. He has also invested time in helping others.”

A five-person jury comprised of chefs and culinary experts selected Pépin for the first annual award. Despite suffering a minor stroke in March, Pépin is still going strong. In October, his latest (and what he has indicated is his final) television series debuts along with a companion cookbook, Jacques Pépin: Heart & Soul in the Kitchen.