The live experience
What reaches the room
Alice Waters is more than a chef; she’s a catalyst for sustainable food movement and food education. Since opening Chez Panisse in Berkeley in 1971, Waters has championed farm-to-table cooking, transforming American cuisine and inspiring a generation of chefs. She also founded the Edible Schoolyard Project, a pioneering effort to bring hands-on, garden-based learning to schools. Waters’ work has earned her national recognition, including the James Beard Foundation honors for Best Chef in America and Best Restaurant in America in 1992, Humanitarian of the Year (1997), Lifetime Achievement (2004), and a Leadership Award (2011). In 2015 she received the National Humanities Medal, and she was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2009 for her contributions to cuisine and education. While not a performer in the traditional sense, Waters brings an extraordinary stage presence to the world of food, education, and public service. We’ve got you covered for official appearances, speaking engagements, and related events where you can gain insight into her philosophy and impact.