The 1st Annual Latin Culinary & Beverage Awards

Martinez Productions International is proud to announce that the 1st Annual Latin Culinary & Beverage Awards ( scheduled to be held on Sunday, May 26, 2002, at 4:00pm in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, in Los Angeles, California USA.
This black-tie event was created to honor and recognize the important contributions of Latin origin men and women who have brought their countries food and beverage products into the mainstream of our day-to-day lives. Hosted by an internationally known Latin superstar, the event will feature famous Latinos from the entertainment, political and culinary industry ranks presenting the Sabor Awards ? to Latin chefs, and other culinary and beverage professionals who have set a standard of excellence and creativity in the field. This gala affair will feature a Pre-Press Conference, Cocktail Reception, Formal Dinner, and to complete the evening, a Post Press Conference.

There will be three categories of Awards: Chef, Beverage, and Merit:

Chef Awards, consisting of Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef, and Chef of the Year, will be presented to Latin Chefs from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.

Beverage Awards will be presented to Latin Manufactures in the following categories: Wine, Beer, Coffee, Liquor, Tropical Juices and Coffee Liqueur. The products will be required to be Latin by nature and produced by companies, which are Latin owned and operated.

Merit Awards will be presented in the following categories: Latin Male & Female Executive of the Year, Latin Family Manufacturer of the Year, Latin Corporation Manufacturer of the Year, Latin Beverage Manufacturer of the Year, Latin Male & Female Food & Beverage Director of the Year, Best Latin Cookbook of the Year, Best Latin Restaurant of the Year in each of the following regions within the United States: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast, and Northwest, Latin Male & Female Entrepreneur of the Year (Restaurant Owner), and Lifetime Achievement.

The L.C.B.A. Judging Panel will select and nominate the winners. The L.C.B.A. Judging Panel is composed of the following world-acclaimed Executive Chef's, culinary and hospitality professionals: Gustavo Vega, Marriott Disney Studio, Felix Salcedo, Sonora Caf, Adolfo Gomez de la Torre, Engine #28, Michael Weisberg, specializing in restaurant consulting, and cookbook publicity, Robert Irvine, Caesars Palace Laura Diaz, Chef of the U'LaLa!! cooking show, Walter Cotta, Alegria Latina Cocina, Xiomara Ardolina, Xiomara Restaurant, Christian Rassinoux, Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Resort Dana Point, Michael Ebert, Coffee Masters, and Andreas Nieto, Century Plaza Hotel who will also serve as the Awards Host Chef.

Our Honorary Committee Members who are lending their support consist of: Ambassador Rene' A. Leon of El Salvador, Ambassador Leila T. Rachid Lichi of Paraguay, Ambassador Javier Ruperez of Spain, and Ambassador Joao da Rocha Paris of Portugal.

A culinary Scholarship Fund Program will be established to provide financial assistance to deserving Latino origin individuals demonstrating the qualities, characteristics and traits the L.C.B.A in fulfilling a world-class culinary career.

If you are interested in attending or becoming a sponsor of the 1st Annual Latin Culinary & Beverage Awards ( Contact Rene' Luis Martinez via e-mail at: SaborTheLatinCBA@aol.com or visit http://www.LATINCBA.com, or call 1-877-735-9913.