Women Chefs & Restaurateurs Honors Women Who Inspire

In conjunction with its national conference, Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) honored seven women who have demonstrated excellence in the culinary and hospitality industries at its 11th Annual Women Who Inspire gala dinner and awards ceremony in Pasadena, Calif.

The annual WCR Women Who Inspire Awards, presented by Food Arts magazine, recognize women who inspire present and future generations of women professionals in food and beverage. The awards honor 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.

"We're honored to recognize the achievements and innovation of these incredible women," said Jamie Leeds, WCR president and chef/owner of Hank's Oyster Bar and CommonWealth Gastropub in metropolitan Washington, D.C. "Those honored this year are helping to advance the work of WCR by leading the way for a new generation of women to excel in culinary and hospitality careers."

The 2010 Women Who Inspire Award recipients are:

WCR Barbara Tropp President's Award
Recognizing a lifetime of culinary excellence and honoring a woman who has made exceptional and lasting contributions to the foodservice industry.
- Kathy Cary, chef/owner, Lilly's-A Kentucky Bistro, Louisville

WCR Community Service Award
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.
- Virginia Paca, owner, Virginia Paca Architecture & Landscape Design, Pasadena, Calif.

WCR Golden Bowl Award
Recognizing excellence in baking and pastry arts and honoring a woman whose skill in the baking and pastry arts inspires others.
- Sherry Yard, pastry chef, Spago, Beverly Hills, Calif.

WCR Golden Fork Award
Recognizing excellence in the dining room and honoring a woman whose front-of-house service or management skills demonstrates a commitment to excellence.
- Patricia Koyich, owner, Il Sogno, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

WCR Golden Goblet Service Award
Recognizing excellence in the beverage profession and honoring a woman whose making or serving of wine, spirits, coffee or tea enhances the dining experience.
- Dee Ann Quinones, owner, Drinks With Dee, Los Angeles

WCR Golden Plow Award sponsored by Bon Appetit 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.
- Alisa Barry, founder and chief creative, Bella Cucina Artful Food, Atlanta

WCR Golden Whisk Award
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.
- Liana Robberecht, executive chef, Calgary Petroleum Club, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

About Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR)
Founded in 1993 by eight prominent women chefs and restaurateurs, WCR's mission is to promote and enhance the education, advancement and connection of women in the culinary industry. WCR offers a variety of networking, professional and support services to more than 2,000 members representing all industry sectors. To learn more about the opportunities offered by WCR, visit www.womenchefs.org.