This Florida Island Serves as the Muse for Celebrity Chef Jacques Pépin's Cherished Cookbooks

In the 1980s, Jacques Pépin made his first visit to Amelia Island, located off Florida's Atlantic Coast. His PBS show, Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pépin, had just premiered, and he was attending a conference at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. This journey sparked a decades-long connection. "I enjoyed the atmosphere, which felt both relaxed and sophisticated," says Pépin. "It reminded me of coastal towns in southern France, where you can stroll by the sea. I also loved the New England-style architecture and the milder climate compared to the rest of Florida."

Over the following years, Pépin, who hails from southeastern France, became an internationally celebrated culinary figure. He has hosted 13 cooking shows and even worked as a personal chef for French President Charles de Gaulle, while advocating for simple cooking techniques and the use of seasonal, local ingredients. Meanwhile, the island—affectionately called "Amelia" by Pépin—became a cherished winter getaway for him and his late wife, Gloria. It also served as a wellspring of artistic inspiration, with Pépin’s artwork featured in many of his cookbooks. His latest illustrated work, Art of the Chicken: A Master Chef’s Paintings, Stories, and Recipes of the Humble Bird, was released in September.

Today, visitors to Amelia Island might spot Pépin selecting shrimp at the Saturday market, visiting local bookstores for signings, or enjoying a game of boules—a French pastime similar to bocce—at the outdoor courts. He often shares some of his original artwork and highlights his favorite local spots.

Lofty Heights

“I’ve created seascapes, but I find trees to be more captivating. The stunning canopies of the ancient oaks along the Amelia Island Parkway and the towering giants in town inspire me, particularly those known locally as ‘Kate’s and Fred’s trees.’ Kate’s oak, located on Ash Street, is named after Katherine MacDonell Bailey, a resident who saved it from being cut down in the 1800s; Fred’s tree, another survivor, stands beside the former Fred’s Department Store.”

Social Butterfly

“On Centre Street, the main thoroughfare in Fernandina Beach, I often enjoy a coffee at Amelia Island Coffee before visiting the local bookstores. I like to catch up with Sue Nelson at the Book Loft and Mark and Donna Paz Kaufman at Story & Song Neighborhood Bookstore Bistro.”

Playing to Win

“My friend Philippe Boets launched the Amelia Island Open in 2009, and it has since become the largest boules tournament in the U.S. I’ve been playing since I was around six or seven. My parents owned a restaurant with boules courts outside, and my brother and I would challenge anyone who stopped by—mostly seniors in their 80s and other kids. Here on Amelia, I play informal games all the time. If someone spots you watching, they’ll likely invite you to join in.”

Staple Favorites

“For dinner, España is one of my top choices for paella and tapas. I also enjoy Pablo’s Mexican Cuisine, where I usually order chile verde, fish tacos, and a large margarita. When I crave Italian, I head to Ciao for their delightful risotto or pasta with clams. At La Sureña, I love to have pozole and cabeza (beef cheek) tacos for lunch.”

Farm-to-Table

“On Saturday mornings, I stroll through the Fernandina Beach Farmers Market with my mini poodle, Gaston, to pick up fresh bread and whatever organic produce catches my eye. I call ahead to order royal red shrimp from Chesser Seafood. They’re a rare find, and Debbie and Eddie Chesser save the extra heads and shells for me—the prime ingredients I use to make shrimp bisque.”

Travel Essentials

“Each year, when I drive down to Florida from Connecticut, I typically pack six to eight cases of wine from my cellar and perhaps some hard-to-find seasonings from Provence. And I always remember to bring my boules.”

This article first appeared in the November 2022 issue of Dinogo with the headline "Island Inspiration".