The Jerome Girardot Fund

The Jerome Girardot Fund was established by Laurent Branlard, Jerome Landrieu, David Serus and Stephane Chéramy to celebrate the life and memory of Jerome and, in that spirit, has created three of the most incredible culinary and social events to date, bringing together the country’s top chefs and culinary enthusiasts to connect and enjoy great food and great friends. Proceeds of the event will establish a fund for Jerome’s young children, ensuring their education as they grow.

Chefs, as a whole, say yes to any project, fundraiser, or tasting because they have such a generous spirit.
—Charlie Trotter

The nonprofit fund is hosting unique events in three exciting cities: Orlando, Chicago and Washington D.C. Each event will feature more than 24 celebrity chefs who will recreate some of their most famous dishes for guests to savor, complemented by fine wine and spirits. Let your eyes feast upon a stunning array of master showpieces in a relaxed, refined ambience while you enjoy a grand dessert buffet prepared by some of the nation’s most talented pastry chefs. Every guest will receive a box of chocolate truffles, exclusively created by four of the industry’s most renowned chocolatiers.

The art of the table goes beyond merely putting recipes into practices; it embraces good manners, the balance of the menu, the skills of being a host, and of best organizing that privileged moment when a meal is shared with guest or family.
—Curnonsky

Many great friends, chefs and partners have already expressed their excitement to be part of the first event in Orlando, Dec. 3, 2009. It will be a fantastic and innovative party, full of inspiring emotions and unique and memorable experience.

Jerome F. Girardot

Alexandria, VA / Cize France

“Anything you can see or imagine I can create in chocolate.” Jerome F. Girardot

The late Jerome Girardot was a master of his trade, creative, quiet, refined, and poised—qualities that made him unique in life and in his profession. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him. His dedication, patience and work ethic set him apart as a leader in the pastry world; he built strong relationships with his teammates and encouraged everyone to achieve their highest potential. He was funny, humble, laughed easily, and embraced life fully. He will be sadly missed by family, friends, and colleagues around the world.

Jerome honed his pastry skills and began to specialize in chocolate while working and training in Aix-en-Provence in southern France. His artistry took him to St. Thomas where he spent two years as first cook and assistant pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Promoted to pastry chef, he relocated to The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. In 2003, Chef Jérôme Girardot became pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

In addition to desserts after a meal, guests and local residents were able to enjoy chef Girardot’s chocolate confections during the annual Chocolate Decadence Buffet held in the Lobby Lounge throughout February and March. The popular event featured more than forty different types of chocolate creations in dark, milk and white flavors, plus tempting chocolate beverages both hot and cold.

Jerome was a loving father to Noah (5) & Luc (3 1/2) he enjoyed outdoor activities with the boys in the park, cooking gourmet meals for them, and watching his favorite soccer team Olympique De Marseille. He was an extremely loving, giving and generous person and thoroughly enjoyed travelling back to France with his wife and kids to see his family.

He will always be remembered by his family, friends, and within the culinary industry.

Memorials may be made to the Jerome Girardot Memorial Foundation through this website www.jeromegirardotfund.com

Our Sponsors:

‘A Night of Extreme Taste’ – Washington D.C., September 30, 2010