Every chef in town seems to have paid their dues at Chez Panisse over the years. But on the fine-dining side, the cooks that have come out of Michael Mina's kitchens are an impressive lot.

On October 9, Mina—who's only 42 years old with 19 restaurants under his belt—is celebrating the 20 years that have past since he opened Aqua in what is now Restaurant Michael Mina in the Financial Distrct. The Anniversary Tribute Dinner will include 14 contemporaries cooking up six courses. At $500 a person, supporting Ronnie Lott's All Stars Helping Hands, it's a fête that seems worth the price considering both the good will and the star power.

Chefs included in the line-up:

George Morrone (executive chef, Boca Steak)
Mina connection: founding chef of Aqua, former chef of Redwood Room

Joseph Humphrey (formerly of Meadowood and opening Dixie this fall)
Mina connection: cooked at Redwood Park

Paul Piscopo (Trace restaurant)
Mina connection: cooked at Aqua

Bruce Hill (Picco, Zero Zero)
Mina connection: cooked at the Four Seasons and Aqua

Traci Des Jardins (Jardinière, Public House, Mijita)
Mina connection: cooked at Aqua

Ron Siegel (Ritz Carlton San Francisco Dining Room)
Mina connection: cooked at Aqua (called the "most fun hire," by Mina)

Melissa Perello (Frances)
Mina connection: cooked at Aqua

Bill Corbett (Absinthe)
Mina connection: cooked at Michael Mina at the Westin St. Francis

The tribute dinner is October 9, 2011. Tickets are $500. To reserve, call 415-397-9222.