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Discover the essence of culinary tranquility at the northwest corner of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, just a mere 20-minute drive from the mesmerizing blue-green waters of the Gulf. Jeremiah’s journey from the bustling culinary scene of the ’70s – ’90s that took him from California to Hong Kong and many places in between, has switched paces by embracing the serene lifestyle of the Yucatan Peninsula where he continues cultivating his passion for the food and beverage industry.
With a prestigious BA in Architecture and Design from Harvard University, Jeremiah’s fusion of artistic flair and culinary expertise landed him a coveted position at Chef Panisse, marking the inception of his illustrious culinary career in California. Widely recognized as one of the pioneers of California Cuisine, Jeremiah’s innovative approach and French culinary background have left an indelible mark on gastronomy, earning him a revered place in culinary history.
With a focus on simplicity and an unwavering commitment to utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, both, Alice Waters and Tower epitomized the essence of California Cuisine. Their innovative approach, characterized by creativity and flair, shattered culinary norms, giving rise to a movement defined by its rule-breaking spirit and dedication to freshness. California Cuisine was born from this ethos and continues to captivate palates with its vibrant flavors and ever-evolving tastes, delighting diners with never-ending discoveries.
However, Chez Panisse served as only a stepping stone for Jeremiah, whose ambition knew no bounds. Despite the desire to open Panisse Cafe, to no avail, and after breaking ties with Alice, he embarked on a journey filled with new possibilities, venturing from Balboa Cafe to Ventana in Big Sur, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went. Joined by The Moons of Balboa, Jeremiah embarked on a culinary adventure culminating with his prized Stars Restaurant in San Francisco—a beacon of sophistication and culinary excellence. Stars quickly became the epitome of San Francisco dining culture, attracting a who’s who of politicians, socialites, and movie celebrities. With its opulent design and unparalleled luxury, Stars cemented Jeremiah’s legacy in the annals of California’s culinary history. Its success transcended borders, with additional locations opening in Oakville, Napa Valley, Palo Alto, and even internationally in Manila and Singapore, further solidifying Jeremiah’s status as a culinary visionary.
Much like Chez Panisse served as a launching pad for Jeremiah and other luminaries of California Cuisine like Joyce Goldstein of Square One, Stars emerged as a nurturing ground for aspiring chefs, including Mario Batali and Dominique Crenn, among others, the restaurant’s innovative spirit and commitment to culinary excellence provided a platform for these talents to flourish and redefine the culinary landscape.
An esteemed figure in the culinary world, Jeremiah is not only a celebrated chef but also a prolific author, with multiple recipe books to his name. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards from the James Beard Foundation. As a founding member of the Oxford Cultural Collective, Jeremiah continues to advocate for culinary education and cultural exchange. His influence extends beyond the kitchen, with numerous accolades and features in both local and international press. Notably, Jeremiah’s captivating journey was immortalized in the documentary “Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016. Produced by the late Anthony Bourdain, the film offers a poignant tribute to Jeremiah’s remarkable life and culinary legacy, available for sale on platforms like YouTube.
- New American Classics, 1986
- America’s Best Chefs Cook with Jeremiah, 2003
- What I saw (and cooked) at the American Culinary Revolution, 2003
- Jeremiah Tower Cooks: 250 Recipes from an American Master
- Start the Fire: How I Began A Food Revolution In America, 2017
- Jeremiah Tower Cooks: 250 Recipes from an American Master, 2002
