Chicago Culinary Museum And Chefs Hall Of Fame Names Rick Bayless The 2008 Inductee

The Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame, Chicago, will recognize Rick Bayless, owner of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, Chicago, as its 2008 Chefs Hall of Fame inductee, at the third annual Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame Induction. The event will be held at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, August 27.

"Through his [Rick Bayless] legendary restaurants, television show, food product line, and the treasury of volumes he has authored documenting the rich culinary heritage of Mexico and abundant recipe repertoire, he is to Mexican cuisine what Auguste Escoffier was to classical cuisine," said Barbara Kuck, HAAC, curator, Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame, and a member of ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Inc. "We salute him, a fourth generation restaurateur."

Several high-profile guests will attend the event to honor Bayless' culinary achievements, including Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley; Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; Charlie Trotter, HHOF, chef/proprietor, Charlie Trotter's, Chicago, a member of ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Inc., and the 2006 Chefs Hall of Fame inductee; Jimmy Bannos, chef/owner, Heaven on Seven, Chicago, and the 2007 Chefs Hall of Fame inductee; Steve Dolinsky, food reporter with ABC7, Chicago; and Carrie Nahabedian, chef/proprietor of NAHA in Chicago.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, cocktails and appetizers. The awards presentation is at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The event will take place in the Red Lacquer Room on the fourth floor of the Palmer House Hilton. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $175 in advance, $200 at the door and $225, with charter membership to the museum. All proceeds benefit the museum. Tickets can be purchased by calling (630) 505-5381, or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/38403.

About the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame
Founded in 2006 by John Castro and John Kaufmann, CEC, AAC, in conjunction with the ACF Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Inc., the museum was created to celebrate the achievements and contributions of chefs, food manufacturers, restaurateurs and hoteliers, while promoting and celebrating Chicago as a culinary mecca. The museum aims to preserve and foster Chicago's rich and diverse culinary history through exhibitions and educational programs. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, whose goal is to raise funds and awareness in an effort to establish a museum in Chicago. For more information on the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame, call (312) 718-322, or visit www.culinarymuseum.org.

About the American Culinary Federation
The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With more than 21,500 members spanning 230 chapters nationwide, ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States. ACF is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international culinary competitions. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.
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