I realized as I was sending tweets from the Ritz-Carlton Washington DC ballroom that many of my readers might not be familiar with Women Chefs & Restaurateurs … here is a smidgen of background and a list of the women honored … with fotos of Ris Lacoste, Kate Jensen, Ellen Kassof-Gray and Nora Pouillon.
Formed in 1993 by eight of the nation's top women chefs and restaurateurs, the Women Chefs & Restaurateurs has grown to a membership of over 2,000 foodservice professionals through which it offers a variety of networking, professional and support services.
Founding Members included women chef/restaurant pioneers Lidia Bastianich, co-owner of Felidia and Becco; Elka Gilmore, chef, San Francisco; Joyce Goldstein, author/restaurant and food consultant, San Francisco; Johanne Killeen, co-owner of Alforno, Providence, RI; Barbara Lazaroff, owner of Spago Beverly Hills and Imaginings Interior Design, CA; Mary Sue Milliken, co-owner of Ciudad & Border Grill, Santa Monica, CA; Anne Rosenzweig, owner of Inside, New York City and the late Barbara Tropp, author/chef/consultant, San Francisco.
Through Tuesday the women’s group is holding its national conference at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to their Sunday night gala where the "Women Who Inspire Awards" were given out during a dinner celebrating “The First Ladies of the Table.” In the spring of each year, hundreds of women are nominated for these prestigious awards.
I will be writing more about the conference in the December
issue of Foodservice Monthly … for
tonight I have the winners of the awards to announce. Carla Hall, Alchemy Caterers, was the gracious, entertaining emcee of the
evening’s festivities.
Golden Fork Award recognized excellence in the dining room and honored a woman whose front of the house service/management skills demonstrate a commitment to excellence: Ellen Kassof-Gray, Equinox, Washington DC.
Golden Whisk Award honored a woman whose passion and excellence as a chef serves as a role model for others: Ris Lacoste, RIS, Washington DC.
Golden Goblet Award recognized excellence in the beverage profession and honored a woman whose has made the serving of wine, spirits, coffee or tea one that enhances the dining experience: Shelly Lindgren, A-16 and SPQR, San Francisco, Calif.
Golden Plow Award recognized
excellence in growing and producing from nature’s bounty and honored a woman
whose skill in farming results in food that graces our plates while respecting
the environment: Moie Crawford, New Morning Farm, Pennsylvania (she has sold in DC since 1974 and now every Sunday
at Dupont Circle).
Golden Bowl Award recognized excellence in baking and pastry arts while honoring a woman whose skill in the baking and pastry arts inspires others: Kate Jansen, Willow Restaurant, Arlington Va.
Community Service Award
recognized outstanding contributions in community affairs by honoring a woman
who has made a strong impact on the lives of others: Linda Vogler, DC
Central Kitchen, Washington, DC
Barbara Tropp President’s Award recognized a lifetime of culinary excellence and honored a woman who has made exceptional and lasting contributions to the restaurant industry: Judy Wicks, White Dog Café, Philadelphia, Pa.
Genesis Award recognized a woman who has achieved a true “first” in the culinary profession: Nora Pouillon, Restaurant Nora
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