July 30, 2010

My Honor at the James Beard Foundation's Chefs & Champagne

The James Beard Foundation holds an annual summer gala in the Hamptons called Chefs & Champagne, held at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack.  The event is a lavish tasting party featuring bubbly Champagnes, the wines of Wolffer Estate Vineyard, and culinary offerings from a select group of more than 30 fine chefs.  This year, I am delighted to report, that I was honored for my work in bringing elegant and approachable cuisine to an ever-expanding audience.  After being introduced to the assemblage, this is what I commented about.

As Julia Child famously noted, “In the beginning, there was Beard.”  All of us in the food world owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to him.  James Beard’s passion for delicious food, prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients was vitally important in establishing a serious culinary tradition in this country.  He helped make cooking an American art - and a favorite cultural pastime.  He also understood its capacity to enrich our tables and to enhance the time spent around them with our family and friends.  The James Beard Foundation does a fabulous job of celebrating and nurturing this important legacy.  I am deeply honored to be recognized by this group and all that it represents.

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