In a glittering celebration of New Jersey’s finest culinary talent, Executive Chef Jason Hanin of The Ebbitt Room at The Virginia Hotel has been named 2025 Chef of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA). The prestigious award, presented at the organization’s 40th Annual Awards Ceremony on November 5, 2025, at The Ryland Inn, honors Chef Hanin’s exceptional artistry, leadership, and devotion to elevating New Jersey’s culinary landscape.
For those who have dined at The Ebbitt Room, Chef Hanin’s recognition will come as no surprise. His cuisine—simultaneously soulful and sophisticated—embodies a deep respect for ingredients, culture, and the people who bring both to life. As Executive Chef, Hanin leads a culinary program that is both rigorous and deeply personal, grounded in a farm-to-table and farm-to-glass philosophy that defines the Cape May dining experience.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Hanin’s career has been a journey defined by exploration, craftsmanship, and an ever-evolving sense of curiosity. His time spent cooking in Japan profoundly influenced his approach to both food and hospitality. “My time in Japan taught me ichigo ichie—one time, one meeting—the idea that every guest, every meal, and every shared moment is unique and fleeting,” Chef Hanin said. “I try to carry that into everything I do, in and out of the kitchen.”
That philosophy is felt in every detail of The Ebbitt Room experience, from the meticulous presentation of each course to the warmth and sincerity of service that welcomes guests like old friends. Under Chef Hanin’s leadership, the restaurant has become one of Cape May’s crown jewels, attracting discerning diners from across the region seeking a meal that transcends expectation.
The NJRHA’s Chef of the Year Award recognizes not only culinary excellence but also the impact chefs have on their teams, communities, and the broader industry. Chef Hanin’s collaborative, creative, and deeply respectful leadership style has earned him admiration from peers and protégés alike. “To my team at The Ebbitt Room: this belongs to you as much as to me,” Chef Hanin said. “You’re the heartbeat behind every dish, every service, every late night that turns into something magical.”
The NJRHA’s annual awards celebration has long been a highlight for the state’s hospitality industry—a night when the people who feed, host, and inspire New Jersey come together to honor excellence. Chef Hanin’s win places him among an elite group of chefs who continue to define and elevate the state’s dining culture.
“I’m humbled, honored, and deeply thankful to be part of this community,” Chef Hanin reflected. “To stand among so many incredible chefs and hospitality professionals is truly humbling—and to be recognized as Best Chef is something I’ll carry with deep gratitude.”
With his 2025 Chef of the Year accolade, Jason Hanin joins the ranks of culinary visionaries shaping the future of dining in New Jersey. For guests at The Ebbitt Room, his award is simply a confirmation of what they already know: that in Cape May, at a table crafted with care and creativity, every meal with Chef Hanin is indeed ichigo ichie—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
