Chefs Gather For Starchefs.com 2nd Annual International Chefs Congress

New York Rising Star Chefs Honored at Rising Stars Revue Tasting Gala and Awards Ceremony

Special Awards Ceremony Honors Chef Daniel Boulud as the
2007 StarChefs.com Rising Stars Mentor Awardee

Leading international chefs gathered September 16-18, 2007 to attend the 2nd annual StarChefs.com International Chefs Congress. During the three-day culinary symposium held at 7 World Trade Center, some of the world's most celebrated chefs, such as Joel Robuchon, David Bouley, Jose Andres, Elena Arzak, Wylie Dufresne, Marcus Samuelsson, Fabio Trabocchi, and Gualtiero Marchesi, shared their latest ideas and techniques with more than 1,000 of their culinary peers. Chef Aaron Sanchez (Centrico & Paladar, NYC) was the MC of the Congress, during which the participating chefs conducted live cooking demonstrations, led hands-on workshops, and discussed the current culinary environment.

Highlights of the Congress included a cookbook panel discussion led by Grant Achatz (Alinea, Chicago, IL), Jeffrey Steingarten (VOGUE), Ann Bramson of Artisan Books (NYC), and Lisa Queen of Queen Literary Agency (NYC); a demonstration of Restaurant Arzak Experiments with Chef Elena Arzak, an Italian cuisine workshop featuring Prosciutto de Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano led by Fabio Trabocchi (Fiamma Osteria, NYC); an innovative workshop titled Cocoa Bubbles, Edible Rocks and Vegetables led by Andoni Luis Aduriz (Mugaritz, Errenteria, Spain). In addition, leading manufacturers and purveyors from around the world showcased the latest in foods and wines, cutting edge kitchen equipment, and innovative chef tools at the Chefs Products Fair.

This year's Congress also furthered StarChefs.com's efforts to create an open dialog within the culinary community by supporting an important initiative: creating awareness of and discussion about the state of school lunch programs across the country. Chef Ann Cooper, author of Lunch Lessons and the current director of nutrition services for the Berkeley Unified School District, led a roundtable discussion and a special lunch service in which attendees received one of two lunches - 1) a typical unhealthy lunch currently served in schools, or 2) a well-balanced, delicious, and still cost efficient meal. The lunch lottery was designed to compel restaurant chefs to create a dialog with school chefs to improve lunch menus and the overall health of our children, the future diners of tomorrow.

"This year marked the 2nd annual StarChefs.com International Chefs Congress and the turnout for the event was incredible," says Antoinette Bruno, StarChefs.com CEO and Editor-in-Chief. "What an honor it was to be in the presence of such talent and culinary genius from such revered names as Joel Robuchon, Jose Andres, and David Bouley to the brightest culinary talents of the future, our Rising Star chefs. The Congress was a remarkable learning experience for everyone and we are very much looking forward to next year's event."

During the Congress renowned Chef Daniel Boulud was awarded with the Rising Stars Mentor Award, which is presented to a chef who has shaped the local culinary community and continues to serve as an inspiration to both leading and up-and-coming chefs from around the world. The award is determined by votes cast by each New York Rising Star. Greeted with a standing ovation from an audience of the world's most acclaimed chefs, his culinary peers, Chef Boulud accepted the award with an inspiring speech, congratulating this year's Rising Stars.

The Congress culminated with the StarChefs.com New York Rising Stars Revue, which honored New York's most promising culinary talent with a special push-cart gala and awards ceremony held at Mansion in Chelsea on Tuesday, September 18th. The Rising Stars, chosen through a series of tastings and interviews by the StarChefs.com editorial team, served their interpretations of hig