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Press Release

Media Contact: Margo Kesler
Tel: 602-264-2655
Email: Margo Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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And the Winner Is……..
Culinary Hall of Fame Gains 5 New Members

(Scottsdale, AZ) – April 26, 2004 – On Thursday, April 15 the Marquesa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess was the scene of an Oscar caliber awards ceremony as the leaders of Arizona’s culinary community were elected to enter the Hall of Fame. The Arizona Culinary “Hall of Fame” Awards may not have included the traditional red carpet, but in the world of haute cuisine they are the highest honors that local, national and international culinary professionals can achieve.

The Hall Of Fame awards were created specifically to recognize forces in Arizona’s food world for their dedication and contributions in the realm of culinary arts, media, promotion and children’s arts education. Local radio/television personality Pat McMahon emceed the event and announced this year’s five winners which include:

Culinary Chef Extraordinaire – outstanding chef who has contributed substantial hours to charity:
Silvana Salcido Esparza, Chef/Owner of Barrio Café, cooking instructor, author, consultant, caterer

Culinary Media Master – a food writer or someone involved in culinary programs that receive media exposure:
Eileen Bailey, Writer, Scottsdale Republic Columnist

Culinary Ambassador – promotes and builds the culinary arts locally and throughout Arizona:
Karen Chalmers, Program Coordinator at Scottsdale Community College, teaching front-of-the-house operations to students in the Culinary Arts Program. She has worked in all phases of restaurant and hotel food and beverage management operations, catering and sales.

Lifetime Achievement – near career end and has given to children’s education in the fine arts:
Don Luria, Owner and Proprietor Southwest Trends parent company of Café Terra Cotta and currently serves on the board of six major art groups in Arizona.

Scottsdale’s Tout– promotes and touts Scottsdale’s touring benefits:
Don Carson, founder/owner of Don and Charlie’s

Awards winners and supporters enjoyed a fabulous four-course dinner prepared by Chef Jorge Gallardo of the Marquesa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

The Scottsdale League for the Arts (SLA) contributes to several Valley organizations, including the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, the Arts in Education Council, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. SLA is a non-profit volunteer organization made up of concerned and caring individuals who invest their time and effort to raise funds for the arts and art education programs.

The primary benefactors of the programs that SLA sponsors are children throughout Arizona. SLA is looking for positive and motivated people to volunteer at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. It’s a wonderful way to get involved in the community and expand your knowledge about the arts and culinary fields. To find out more information on becoming a volunteer please call Scottsdale League for the Arts at (480) 945-7193.

For a full schedule of events please visit the web site at www.ScottsdaleCulinaryFestival.org or call (480) 945-7193. Memberships are available for $125 annually. This is a fun way to become involved in your community and expand your knowledge in the art and culinary fields.

For more information or photos from Hall of Fame please contact Margo Media at (602) 264-2655.