When The Pierre opened in New York in 1930, the legendary French Chef Auguste Escoffier was the Executive Chef, so it was only fitting that for The Pierre, New York, A Taj Hotel’s Red Diamond 95th Anniversary held on November 20, 2025, that the Disciples Escoffier had the official opening of the very first New York Chapter and inducted The Pierre’s General Manager Spiridon Sarantopoulos and Executive Chef Vincenzo Garafalo into the prestigious culinary organization before the gala began. Over champagne and light bites befitting the occasion, Michel Escoffier, Hereditary Honorary Chairman (representing the Escoffier family) of the Disciples Escoffier, the great-grandson of Auguste Escoffier, and five of the Disciples Escoffier proudly presented the scarves to the esteemed inductees.
Michel Escoffier and inductee General Manager Spiridon Saratopoulos
It was a memorable night in York when Michel Escoffier, and five members of Disciples Escoffier International gathered in the Tata Suite at The Pierre, New York, A Taj Hotel, to induct the new members who have made important marks in the world of gastronomy and hospitality, into the prestigious culinary organization. We were invited to attend the intimate ceremony to celebrate the inductees’ achievements.
Les Disciples Escoffier Induction Ceremony – Chef Julie Cassara
The Disciples Escoffier International was founded in 1954 to honor the principles of Auguste Escoffier 1846 – 1935), who was a culinary giant at prestigious European hotels, a cookbook author, mentor, humorist, and creator of the “brigade” at The Pierre when it opened in 1930, as well as the recipient of many awards recognizing his impressive achievements. Today, the Disciples Escoffier International has 10,000 Members and 45 Delegations.
Inductee Chef Andrew Ho and Edward F. Nesta
Among those honored at the ceremony held on November 20, 2025 included The Pierre’s General Manager Spiridon Sarantopoulos (blue scarf) and Executive Chef Vincenzo Garafalo (red scarf), Kareen “Chef Coco” Linton (Tampa, Florida, red scarf), Chef Andrew Ho (Rosewood Hotel, Washington, DC, red scarf), Chef Julie Cassara (Andros Chef USA, Bakery Specialist, red scarf), François Villegas (Andros North America, National Sales Manager, blue scarf), Anina Belle Giannini (blue sash), and Ariane Daguin (Founder of D’Artagnan, New York, green scarf).
Ariane Daguin Awarded Green Scarf Les Disciples Escoffier
The Meaning of the Colors of the Scarves
Red Scarf: “These are mainly cooks and pastry chefs. But also, all those with a CAP and/or more than five years’ experience in the field. To date, they represent over 70% of the Association’s members.”
Michel Escoffier, Inductee Chef Kareen “Chef Coco” Linton, Chef Mario D’Orio
Blue Scarf: “These are the personalities who make gastronomy and the Escoffier Spirit shine. They include salespeople, journalists, institutional partners, political figures and simply Epicureans and Gastronomes.”
Green Scarf: “These talented producers include farmers, breeders, market gardeners, cheesemakers, fish farmers, growers, winemakers… For Auguste Escoffier put the product back at the center of the plate. He was the first to emphasize the value of the season, with a dual focus on taste and economy. Inaugurating what we do today to respect our customers and the environment. He creates recipes by stipulating the origin of products.”
After the ceremony, champagne and light bites followed, before we, along with the Disciples Escoffier, made our way onto the red carpet to celebrate The Pierre, New York, A Taj Hotel’s Red Diamond 95th Anniversary Gala. It was a memorable night befitting a grand dame luxury hotel and those who make it such.
Les Disciples Escoffier Menu for The Pierre, New York, A Taj Hotel, Red Diamond Gala
The Chefs:
Jan Van Haute, Sébastien Giannini, Vincenzo Garofalo, André Taormina, and Mario D’Orio
Signature Cocktails
The Pierre 95th Anniversary Signature Cocktails
Pierre Royale – Crème de Cassis, Champagne
Red Diamond Mocktail – Blood Orange Juice, Ginger Beer, Lemon Juice
The Menu
“Around the Sea” – Chef Jan Van Haute – Co-owner The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, Michelin Star
Partner: Fortune Fish and Gourmet
Around the Sea by Chef Jan Van Haute
Seasonal Fish Medallion with Champagne Sabayon
Barramundi Tartare with Champagne Vinaigrette
“Citrus of the Season” – Sébastien Giannini – President, Les Disciples Escoffier USA East Coast
Partner: Andros Chef USA
Citurs Parfait – Riviera Soleil
Mocktail: “Citrus Éclat
Citrus Parfait: “Riviera Soleil” lemon curd, orange zest panna cotta, blood orange gelee, salted chocolate crumble, fresh whipped cream, and gold feuilletine
“Escoffier Heritage – Chef Vincenzo Garofalo – Executive Chef – The Pierre Hotel
Partner: Les Disciples Escoffier International
Executive Chef Vincenzo Garafalo newly inducted into the Les DIsciples Escoffier being pinned by his wife Laura
Lobster Thermidor Vol-Au-Vent (Poached Lobster, Lobster Bechamel, Vol-Au-Vent, Ossetra Caviar)
Confit Beef Short Ribs Bao Bun (Braised Beef Short Ribs, Foie Gras Mousse, Black Truffle)
“Le Canard” – Chef André Taormina – Owner L’Ambroisie restaurant, France, Michelin Star
Partner: D’Artagnan
Le Canard by Chef Andre Taormina
Smoked Duck Breast with Poached Pear & Truffle Honey on Brioche Toast
Mini Duck Rillettes Tartlet with Orange Zest & Armagnac Gelée
“Truffle” – Chef Mario D’Orio – Member of The Conseil Magistral of Disciples Escoffier International
Partner: Saint-Jean
Truffle Pasta by Chef Mario D’Orio
Ravioles du Royans with Truffle Cream & Parmesan Foam
Crispy Ravioles du Royans with Truffle Honey & Aged Comté
Until next time, Bon Appetit!
For more information on The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, please visit their website: https://www.thepierreny.com/
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
2 East 61st Street at Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10065
United States
Hotel: +1-212-838-8000
Reservations: +1-212-940-8101
Email: ThePierre.NY@TajHotels.com
Website: https://www.thepierreny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePierreNY
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepierreny @thepierreny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefvincenzogarofalo/ @chefvincenzogarofalo
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
@ThePierre
@ThePierreHotel
@ThePierreNY
#PierreStories
@NewYorkHotels
@FifthAvenue
@FiveStarHotels
@Tajness
@TajHotels
Debra C. Argen and Michel Escoffier
For more information on Disciples Escoffier International, please visit their website: https://disciplesescoffier.org/en/
Disciples Escoffier International
Website: https://disciplesescoffier.org/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisciplesEscoffierInt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disciples_escoffier_int/ @disciples_escoffier_int
Instagram: @lechefsebastien
@LesDisciplesEscoffier
@EscoffierLegacy
@FrenchGastronomy @LAvantGardeDC
@tampaChapter @WashingtonDC @ColoradoChapter
@MichelEscoffier
@SebastienGiannini
@ChefCocoLinton
@YvanHeraud
@CulinaryExcellence
@GrowingTogetherGastronomy
@TraditionEtModernité
@disciples_escoffier_int
Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LuxuryExperience to see photos and videos.
Follow Luxury Experience on YouTube at @edwardnesta9910 @luxurypair
Follow Luxury Experience on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/luxurypair @luxurypair
© December 2025. Luxury Experience www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.
