Women Chefs & Restaurateurs Honors Seven Women Who Inspire

In conjunction with its national conference, Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) honored seven women who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in the culinary industry at its 8th Annual Women Who Inspire Awards gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa on Sunday, November 4, 2007.

The annual WCR Women Who Inspire Awards, presented by FOOD ARTS, are meant to inspire present and future generations of women chefs and restaurateurs. WCR strives to recognize achievement within the industry and pay tribute to those women who have demonstrated excellence in the kitchen, dining room, beverage profession, baking and pastry arts, community affairs, farming and food production, and for a lifetime of culinary excellence.

"These Women Who Inspire Award recipients are characterized by passion, service, dedication and innovation within our industry," said Helene Kennan, president of WCR. "They serve as important role models for our membership and the women of food across the globe."

For the first time, this year's recipients were selected through a vote of the membership from a group of 22 finalists. To be considered for an award, each finalist's professional work must have served as an inspiration to other women in the industry. All women involved in the foodservice industry were eligible for nomination.

The 2007 Women Who Inspire Award recipients are:

WCR Golden Fork Award sponsored by The Culinary Institute of America
Recognizing excellence in the dining room and honoring a woman whose front-of-the-house service or management skills demonstrates a commitment to excellence.

Karen Waltuck
Owner/General Manager
Chanterelle
New York, New York

WCR Golden Whisk Award sponsored by The Institute of Culinary Education, NYC
Recognizing excellence in the kitchen and honoring a woman whose passion and excellence as a chef or cook serves as a role model for others.

Tracy O'Grady
Chef/Owner
Willow Restaurant
Arlington, Virginia

WCR Golden Bowl Award sponsored by The French Culinary Institute
Recognizing excellence in baking and pastry arts and honoring a woman whose skill in the baking and pastry arts inspires others.

Thursa Evens
Pastry Chef
Almost Home Tea Room
Greencastle, Indiana

WCR Golden Goblet Service Award sponsored by Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino
Recognizing excellence in the beverage profession and honoring a woman whose making or serving of wine, spirits, coffee or tea enhances the dining experience.

Helen Turley
Winemaker
Marcassin Winery
Calistoga, California

WCR Golden Plow Award sponsored by Bon Appétit Management Company
Recognizing excellence in growing or producing from nature's bounty and
honoring a woman whose skill in farming or making artisanal products results in food that graces our plates while respecting the environment.

Judith Redmond
Co-Owner
Full Belly Farm
Guinda, California

WCR Community Service Award sponsored by L'Academie de Cuisine
Recognizing outstanding contributions in community affairs and honoring a woman whose contributions in community or civic affairs have made a strong impact on the lives of others.

Alison Costello
Executive Chef
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
Detroit, Michigan

WCR Barbara Tropp President's Award sponsored by American Roland Food Corp.
Recognizing a lifetime of culinary excellence and honoring a woman who has made exceptional and lasting contributions to the restaurant industry.

Leah Chase
Chef/Owner
Dooky Chase Restaurant
New Orleans, Louisiana

WCR was founded in 1993 by eight prominent female chefs and restaurateurs with the mission of promoting the education and advancement of women in the restaurant industry and the betterment of the industry as a whole. Today, WCR's membership includes more than 2,000 professionals who represent all sectors of the industry, from culinary students to restaurant owners. To learn more about the opportunities offered by WCR, visit www.womenchefs.org or inquire toll-free at 877-927-7787.