Inside the penthouse of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, Gaggenau welcomed a uniquely talented group of California chefs into the Gaggenau Black Jacket Society.

The Petersen Automotive Museum at night.

The evening, hosted by Heather Ryan, North American Gaggenau Sales and Marketing Director, and Skyler Stevenson, Gaggenau Senior Marketing and Product Manager, featured a champagne welcome for chefs and select guests.

Black jackets hanging on a rack, waiting to be bestowed on the guests of honor.

The Black Jacket Society recognition honors chefs who strive for perfection, deliver classically inspired dishes and do so with a particular grace and elegance commensurate with the Gaggenau brand. The professional kitchen principle is the foundation of Gaggenau product design. Professional equipment, much like ingredients, must be of the highest quality and add something special to the final dish.

A collage of guests enjoying themselves at the event.

From locally-inspired California-centric menus to global culinary fusions and classic French techniques, each of the California Black Jacket Society chefs represents a broad spectrum of styles and talents. Notably, Chef William Bradley’s restaurant Addison, a gem which celebrates the allure of “California Gastronomy,” is the first to receive the honor of three MICHELIN Stars in Southern California.

Chef William Bradley putting on his black jacket and smiling.
Group photo of all of the honored chefs.

The six chefs inducted into the Gaggenau Black Jacket Society include:

Chef William Bradley, Addison, Three MICHELIN Stars

Chef Tony Esnault, Knife Pleat, One MICHELIN Star

Chef Niki Nakayama, n/naka, Two MICHELIN Stars

Chef Teague Moriarty, Sons & Daughters, One MICHELIN Star

Chef Val M. Cantu, Californios, Two MICHELIN Stars

Chef Justin Cogley, Aubergine, One MICHELIN Star

Collage featuring a smiling waiter and sunset views of the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Photography: Adahlia Cole

View more Black Jacket Society Events

MICHELIN Guide statue displayed outside Gaggenau event.

The MICHELIN® Guide Partnership

Gaggenau is the Home Kitchen Appliance Brand Partner of the MICHELIN Guide, reinforcing our core culinary foundation and a commitment to building appliances based on the Professional Kitchen Principle.