It is not every day that one celebrates a 95th anniversary, and for the legendary icon, The Pierre, New York, A Taj Hotel’s Ruby Diamond Anniversary Gala, 600 of the glitterati of New York society adorned the red carpet on November 20, 2025, to pay homage to this stunning beacon of luxurious grandeur. The champagne flowed, the crystal chandeliers and the patrons’ diamonds sparkled, and the cuisine made famous by Auguste Escoffier reigned supreme for an evening of elegance befitting the 95th anniversary of a legend. The invitation read “Hollywood Glamour” and guests arrived on the red carpet in stunning gowns, dark suits, and black-tie attire. Happy 95th Anniversary!
Once the home of such luminaries as Andy Warhohl, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, Karl Lagerfeld, and many others, this gracious luxury hotel continues to attract a “who’s who” of celebrities who come to stay at the hotel, as well as make their home there. Since the Upper East Side hotel opened, it has provided unparalleled excellence and has been the setting of many films including Arthur, Joe Versus the Volcano, Meet Joe Black, Ocean’s 8, and Scent of a Woman, to name but a few. It is also where the legendary French Chef Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935) reigned in The Pierre’s kitchen with his brigade de cuisine system when the hotel opened in 1930.
Michel Escoffier and GM Spiridon Saratopoulos
Our night at The Pierre began with an invitation to attend the prestigious Les Disciples Escoffier induction of The Pierre’s General Manager, Spiridon Sarantopoulos and Executive Chef, Vincenzo Garafalo into the Les Disciples Escoffier organization before the gala began. Over champagne and light bites befitting the occasion, Michel Escoffier, Honorary Chairman of Les Disciples Escoffier, great-grandson of Auguste Escoffier, and five Les Disciples Escoffier proudly presented the sashes to the esteemed inductees. Adding to the excitement of the evening was the reading of the Mayoral Proclamation declaring November 20th as Pierre Hotel Day. (Read more about the induction into Les Disciples Escoffier in the Chefs’ Recipes section.)
Edward F. Nesta and Debra C. Argen
Following the induction ceremony, we posed on the red carpet before entering the gala where five of Les Disciples Escoffier chefs Jan Van Haute, Sébastien Giannini, Vincenzo Garofalo, André Taormina, and Mario D’Orio had prepared an exquisite menu.
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
The Modern Martinis
Jazz by The Modern Martinis, and entertainment by “Marilyn Monroe,” and tango dancers captured the feel of the hotel’s storied past. Throughout the evening, there were curated experiences in each of the stunning rooms including passed hors d’oeuvres, a Sushi station, and extensive and elaborate selections of extraordinary desserts.
“Marilyn Monroe” & Tango Dancers Performers
Artist Deanna First sketched guests for them to take home a memorable keepsake of the evening, silk rope aerialists entertained, film clips commemorated its storied past, and music by a DJ created the perfect vibe to dance the night away. The Pierre’s 95th Ruby Diamond Anniversary was an enchanted evening, one that will remain in our memories for a very long time. Happy 95th anniversary to the grand dame, The Pierre, New York, A Taj Hotel! We cannot wait to see what the 100th anniversary will bring.
Deanna First Sketch
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
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