Jean-Robert de Cavel
Jean-Robert was born in France and worked abroad before moving to the United States. His first experience in the US was in New York City; he served as the Chef de Cuisine at Le Régence & La Gauloise within Plaza Athénée. He moved to Cincinnati in 1993 to become the Chef de Cuisine at the Maisonette, maintaining the restaurant’s Mobil 5 Star rating during his tenure. He was a founding partner and Chef de Cuisine at Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, JeanRo Bistro, Pho Paris, Greenup Café, and Lavomatic Café. He was named a Master Chef by Maîtres Cuisiniers de France in 2007. In 2009, he was named Chef-in-Residence at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State.
In 2010 Jean-Robert’s Table opened in downtown Cincinnati and in 2013, French Crust Café joined the area. It moved to Findlay Market in 2016, transforming to French Crust Café & Bistro. Le Bar a Boeuf began serving customers on Victory Parkway in 2015. For Jean-Robert, 2016 was an eventful year, as he joined forces with partners to open both the fast-casual Frenchie Fresh and the fine dining delight Restaurant L.
Jean-Robert: The History I
Jean-Robert: The History II
Jean-Robert: The Man
Jean-Robert: The Community
Jean-Robert: The Food
Click Here to see JR's 2017 Birthday Greetings!
On a Personal Note
The de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation was formed by Jean-Robert de Cavel and Annette Pfund-de Cavel after the abrupt death of their firstborn child, Tatiana, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Described as their "miracle baby," Tatiana was one of roughly 2,000 infants who lose their lives to SIDS each year.
Since her death in 2002, the money raised by the de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation has worked to support educational programs that spread awareness about SIDS. We work with organizations like Cradle Cincinnati and Cribs for Kids, making sure new parents know the risk factors associated with SIDS, providing cribs to families in need and promoting safe sleep programs to new parents.
We are lucky to have the support of some of the best pediatric doctors and medical researchers through our partners at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. With their support we hope to one day face a future where SIDS no longer claims the lives of our children.
In Tatiana's memory, a portion of our proceeds are also dedicated annually to the Tatiana de Cavel Memorial Scholarship fund, awarded to one new student at the Midwest Culinary Institute who best employs our passion for great food, hard work and community outreach.
Each year we host a Friends & SIDS Family Brunch at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. We have over 30+ local restaurants and businesses that come together each year and share their talent, passion and time to cater our biggest fundraiser of the year. We hope you will join us and eat.play.give for future generations.
