In the spring of 2022, a globally-inspired event at the French Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, DC set the stage for the induction of several world-renowned chefs into the Gaggenau Black Jacket Society.

The exterior of the French Ambassador's Residence.

Gaggenau’s foundational philosophy, the Professional Kitchen Principle, dictates that cooking equipment, much like ingredients, must be of the highest quality and contribute to the finished dish. Likewise, 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.

A variety of guests chat and mingle in the Salon Moderne.

Guests were welcomed inside the Salon Moderne and greeted with flutes of Ruinart Blanc des Blanc champagne before the ceremonies. The evening began with a welcome from Heather Ryan, Gaggenau Sales and Marketing Director, and Skyler Stevenson, Gaggenau Senior Marketing and Product Manager, who presented each chef with a custom-made black Bragard chef jacket.

Chef Yuan Tang receiving his black jacket.
Chef Yuan Tang smiling, adjusting his jacket sleeves.
The honorees posing for a group photo, smiling.

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

Chef Johnny Spero, Reverie, One MICHELIN Star

Chef Yuan Tang, Rooster & Owl, One MICHELIN Star

Chef Eric Ziebold, Métier/Kinship, One MICHELIN Star

Collage featuring the chefs and guests.

Photography: Shannon Finney

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.