In a celebration of culinary excellence, the Julia Child Award was presented to Bobby Stuckey, Master Sommelier, Michelin star and James Beard Award-winning restaurateur behind Frasca Hospitality Group. The honor came full circle as legendary chef Thomas Keller, who was an early mentor to Stuckey at The French Laundry, presented him with the award.
The award ceremony took place on October 7th at The MAC | Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture in St. Helena. The venue is currently home to the traveling exhibit, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, creating a fitting backdrop for an event that celebrates her enduring legacy.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a decadent six-course meal from award-winning chef Philip Tessier(Press Restaurant), featuring dishes such as a housemade Pretzel with Cultured Yogurt Butter and Golden White Sturgeon Caviar, Ricotta Gnudi with Frico Crisp and Tomato Consommé, and Heirloom Figs with Mascarpone Cream, Taleggio and Olio Nuovo.
Each course was thoughtfully paired with Californian wines hand-selected by Stuckey and Press GM Justin Williams, which included the 2007 Ridge “Monte Bello,” 2024 Massican “Annia”, and 2023 Matthiasson “Linda Vista Vineyard”
Guests included hospitality leaders such as Tim Mondavi (Continuum), Chef Tanya Holland, Shelley Lindgren (A16), Chef Val Cantu (Californios), Daniel Petroski (Massican), Ehren Jordan (Failla), Laura Cunningham (TKRG), Larry Nadeau and Brian Limoges (Enclos), and more.
Grant Reynolds of Parcelle Wine was also in attendance and offered a heartfelt tribute to Bobby, recognizing his deep impact on him personally and the hospitality profession as a whole.
The evening also marked a significant moment of giving. The award’s $50,000 grant will be directed to establish The Bobby and Danette Stuckey Endowed Scholarship at Northern Arizona University, creating a lasting legacy for future hospitality professionals.
Looking ahead, Bobby Stuckey’s journey will continue to Washington, D.C. on November 18. There, he will be formally inducted into the Smithsonian’s permanent Julia Child collection at the National Museum of American History, further cementing his contributions on a national stage.