It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederik De Pue, Executive Chef and Owner of The Henri.
It was with undaunted stoicism and unyielding positivity our beloved Frederik succumbed to complications following a six-month pancreatic cancer diagnosis in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was 48.
Frederik is survived by his wife, Jennifer Thomas De Pue (45); his three children; Valentine (21), Sebastien (19) and Juliette (2.5); his mother, Ann Vanhoutte and sister Caroline De Pue.
A son of Belgium, as evidenced by his endearing Flemish accent, he was the epitome of the American dream. Beginning his culinary career in the renowned school, Hotelschool Ter Duinen in Koksijde, Belgium at only 14, Frederik went on to quickly scale the daunting walls of the culinary world. He made his debut in several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Louis XV – Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo, Monaco and Alain Chapel in Lyon, France.
Chef Frederik emigrated to the United States at 25 to become the Executive Chef of the European Commission Delegation Ambassador, which launched his career at the center of D. C.’s competitive culinary scene.
Frederik was also the creative mind behind several of D.C.’s most popular restaurants, including Table, where he met Jennifer, his soulmate. It was on this night, while celebrating her 35th birthday with friends, that she spotted the young chef and his magnetic smile. She continued to come back for weeks and “not just for the food,” which she eventually confessed to him. They went on to enjoy 10 years of an amazing life together as they raised their precious children, while supporting one other as they pursued their successful and demanding careers.
His wife shared this statement about his untimely passing, “Frederik was the love of my life. He was my everything. He was full of life and boundless energy, which I learned could be a little problematic during a pandemic lockdown. He was the epitome of an artist, always designing, always collaborating, always creating. While his time was too short, he touched many lives, helping others, sharing his energy and witty sense of humor with his family, friends, and the community. Life feels empty without him. He will be dearly missed.”
If you wish to make a contribution or gift in support of Chef Frederik’s legacy, please consider donating to No Kid Hungry, an organization close to the De Pue family’s heart, which is dedicated to ending childhood hunger.