Elegant Culinary Affaire Returns: An Evening of Exceptional Cuisine for an Extraordinary Cause
Some events are more than just a night out — they’re a reflection of who we are as a community.
On January 25, 2026, Williamsburg’s beloved Elegant Culinary Affaire celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking more than three decades of exceptional food, elegant surroundings, and heartfelt generosity — all in support of the Hospice House of Williamsburg.
Held in the Virginia Room at the Williamsburg Lodge, this black-tie-optional gala brings together outstanding cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and dancing for a night where celebration truly meets purpose. It’s consistently one of the most anticipated social events of the year — and one of the most meaningful.
Event Details
Date: January 25, 2026 Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m. Location: Virginia Room, Williamsburg Lodge Tickets: $300 per seat Attire: Black Tie Optional
🎟️ Reserve your seat here: https://williamsburghospice.org/donations/eca2026hh/
Why This Night Matters
Proceeds from the Elegant Culinary Affaire directly support Hospice House of Williamsburg, ensuring that compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement services remain available to families at no cost. When you attend, you’re not just enjoying an elegant evening — you’re helping provide dignity, comfort, and peace to those navigating one of life’s most difficult transitions.
Over the coming days, Hospice House of Williamsburg will be introducing the talented chefs who make this event so special. From celebrated culinary veterans to innovative local favorites, each brings a unique story, bold flavors, and a shared passion for creating exceptional dining experiences. Their cuisine is at the heart of what has made the Elegant Culinary Affaire one of Williamsburg’s most anticipated gala events for 35 years.
A Chef Who Cooks with Purpose
Hospice House of Williamsburg is honored to spotlight Chef Daniel Abid of Le Yaca as a participating chef at this year’s Elegant Culinary Affaire. One of the original chefs at the Williamsburg location, Chef Abid helped establish Le Yaca’s long-standing reputation through exceptional culinary talent, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to mentoring young culinary professionals.
Born in Paris and raised in Normandy, Chef Abid trained in classical French cuisine and worked under renowned Michelin-starred chefs before coming to Virginia in 1980 as Le Yaca’s opening chef. His more than fifteen years of support for this event reflects his belief that great food is about care, connection, and giving back to the community he calls home.
More chef spotlights will be shared in the days ahead, each highlighting the passion and generosity that help make this evening—and its mission—so meaningful
And here’s the part many people don’t realize…
What Is Hospice House of Williamsburg?
Hospice House of Williamsburg is not a nursing home, medical facility, or traditional hospice center. It is, quite simply, a home — a peaceful, welcoming place for individuals at the end of life and the people who love them.
One of only about 50 social-model hospices in the country, Hospice House has served nearly 3,000 guests over the past 20 years. Every person who enters is treated as family, cared for with dignity, compassion, and deep respect by a dedicated professional team.
Set on 11 acres of forest, walking paths, and gardens, Hospice House offers an oasis — a place that honors both the beauty and the difficulty of life’s final chapter. Services extend not only to guests receiving hospice care, but also to loved ones and community members in need of bereavement support.
Most importantly:
No one ever receives a bill.
All hospice and bereavement services are provided free of charge, thanks entirely to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners.
A Legacy Built by the Community
Founded in 1982 as Hospice of Williamsburg, the organization was created by compassionate citizens who believed end-of-life care should focus on comfort, dignity, and human connection. In 2002, the Hospice House opened as a four-bed “home away from home,” made possible by a community-wide capital campaign and extraordinary local support.
Today, Hospice House serves families throughout the Historic Triangle and Tidewater region, working closely with healthcare providers and welcoming all — without discrimination of any kind.
Their mission is simple and profound:
To give care, comfort, and compassion through and beyond end of life.
An Invitation to Celebrate — and Give Back
The Elegant Culinary Affaire is a reminder of what Williamsburg does best: coming together with generosity, style, and heart. If you’re looking for an evening that feels both festive and deeply meaningful, this is it.
Celebrate incredible food.
Support an extraordinary mission.
And help ensure that compassionate care remains available to everyone who needs it.
🎟️ Tickets and details: https://williamsburghospice.org/donations/eca2026hh/
About Me
I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg. While I help people buy and sell homes across the region, I also see myself as a community ambassador — sharing the people, places, and organizations that make Greater Williamsburg such a special place to live. Hospice House of Williamsburg is one of those places, and I’m proud to help spread the word about the incredible work they do.
If you’d ever like to talk real estate, community events, or ways to get involved locally, I’m always happy to connect.
📞 Call or text: 757-254-8136
📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com
🌐 Website: https://mrwilliamsburg.com