Eric Ripert on Feeding New York City
Eric Ripert on Feeding New York City
The master chef finds balance between Le Bernardin and City Harvest
For Eric Ripert, becoming a master chef was a childhood dream. “When I was a kid my goal was to be a chef and create special experiences,” he tells me.
One of the world’s finest modern-day chefs, Ripert has won several James Beard awards, including Outstanding Chef of the Year in 2003. His New York City opus, Le Bernardin, has earned a three-Michelin-Star rating since 2005 and a consistent four-star rating by the New York Times. Just recently, Pete Wells named Le Bernardin number three in the Times’ annual “100 Best Restaurants in New York City” list. Of the number three spot, Ripert modestly says, “We happily take that.”
Ripert refuses to take full credit for Le Bernardin’s continued culinary excellence. “It takes a lot of energy, passion, and work from the entire team, really. Everyone has their own role to play. We mentor each other and work with the same goal in mind, which is to create something special for our clients,” he says.
The chef believes the key to a successful restaurant is to create a healthy work environment. “We treat our employees very well and that creates consistency. I always say a cook or a waiter who is afraid will never do a better job than one who is inspired. we are very blessed to have such a team.”
But, Le Bernardin isn’t the only place in New York City where you can find Ripert feeding people.
The chef also serves as vice chairman of the board of City Harvest, the city’s first and largest food rescue organization.
This year, City Harvest will rescue more than 77 million pounds of good, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste — with some of that food coming from the kitchen of Le Bernardin. Ripert explains, “At the end of the night, we choose what food is good for City Harvest. Sometimes the string beans are not as green as we wish. Sometimes we have bread or desserts. We can make a little difference.” Ripert also offers a special menu at the restaurant’s lounge that benefits City Harvest: order it and the restaurant donates five dollars toward City Harvest’s efforts to feed New Yorkers.
Ripert says his work with the organization began in the 1990s when he noticed homeless people right outside his tony restaurant. “This is a city of deep contrasts and it’s always puzzled me. A few yards from the restaurant I could see homeless people struggling. I would get emotional at night after leaving for home. And that’s not even thinking about the people who have jobs and families yet still can’t feed their children.”
Ripert then struggled to do something to help people in his community. “I live well and I’m happy and next to me there are people in need. Someone recommended City Harvest and I never left.” Not only does Ripert’s restaurant participate in actively donating to City Harvest, he says he also parlays the restaurant’s fame into creating awareness for the organization. “I use Le Bernardin as a platform to generate interest in supporting City Harvest.”
Ripert says he believes in the organization’s main goal of rescuing food that would normally go to waste. The food is distributed immediately to waiting soup kitchens, churches, food pantries, and other organizations. Ripert notes that City Harvest doesn’t just rely on restaurants. “They utilize the help of farmers, markets, factories — whoever creates food.”
The chef says that currently, the need for City Harvest’s services has never been greater. “There are always a gigantic number of people in need in New York City. We’re not talking about foreign countries — this is our five boroughs. It is very challenging and that’s why City Harvest has never been so relevant.”
Next week, City Harvest will host its annual gala — the organization’s major fundraiser. The event, held April 8 at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan and hosted by Taye Diggs, will have a Motown theme and will honor John Legend and Alex Cohen for their commitment to feeding New Yorkers in need. Ripert says the event hopes to bring in $5 to $6 million to help City Harvest meet New York’s growing demands. “It’s a fun and beautiful event and, at the same time you feel good about where your money is going. There’s a lot of dancing and a lot of happiness that evening.”
The 2024 gala is sold out, but you can still make a contribution or find out about volunteer opportunities at cityharvest.org. And, contact City Harvest if you still want to attend the gala in case there are last minute cancellations.