MenuMasters - 2013

I had the honor of being commissioned by Ventura Foods to do a painting and set of prints for the 2013 MenuMasters Awards Ceremonies held May 18th at the Drake Hotel in Chicago presented by Nations Restaurant News. The MenuMasters Awards Ceremonies recognize visionary and creative foodservice professionals in Research & Development, Culinary and Menu Development. Awards are given to those who enhance the value of foodservice to consumers with exciting, industry-building innovations and breakthrough ideas.

The event was an absolute blast. There was a lot of wonderful food, wine, and great people. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with hundreds of folks at the after party and personalize their prints which was a lot of fun. A few other highlights for me were getting to meet this years winner for "Chef/Innovator", Jonathon Sawyer, founder of The Greenhouse Tavern, who prepared a tasty "Duck Zampone", having the odd (but delightful) experience of eating a Taco Bell Doritos Locos Taco paired with a fine wine, and getting to be at the ceremony for the hall of fame induction of world renowned chef José Andrés of Think Food Group. Chef Andrés gave a compelling speech inspiring our food industry to be creative, and urging them to recognize their responsibility to feed people good, healthy, quality food. He summed it all up with a quote from Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin,

"The destiny of nations depends on the manner in which they feed themselves."

A special thanks to Ventura Foods for the opportunity and experience. They did such a great job putting on a very fun, exciting, and elegant event.

Here is an image of the commissioned painting, "Provenance". Attendees received a giclée print of the piece as a gift from Ventura Foods and Nations Restaurant News.