Press Release

Patrick O’Connell Recognized as Culinary Hall of Fame Celebrated Chef by the American Academy of Chefs

St. Augustine, Fla., July 16, 2009—The American Academy of Chefs (AAC), the honor society of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), inducted Patrick O'Connell into the acclaimed Honorary AAC Culinary Hall of Fame as a Celebrated Chef. O'Connell accepted the award during a formal ceremony and dinner at the 2009 ACF National Convention held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Fla., July 10.

The American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame Committee recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievements in the culinary industry by choosing them for induction into the Culinary Hall of Fame as Celebrated Chefs.

Recipients of this honor are trendsetters in the industry and have distinguished themselves in the culinary world. These Individuals are nationally and/or internationally recognized through print and/or live media for their contributions to the profession. They are culinary icons and continue to serve as role models by mentoring and providing support to future culinarians.

O’Connell is a self-taught culinarian who co-created and co-opened The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va., in 1978. Today, he is the sole proprietor. O’Connell’s culinary genius and business acumen has earned The Inn at Little Washington a plethora of the most prestigious culinary accolades. The inn was recognized as the first five-star country house hotel and the first establishment to receive two five-star awards, one for its restaurant and the other for its accommodations in the Mobil Travel Guide, a distinction that remains today. O’Connell also became the first restaurateur to receive five diamonds from AAA for both food and accommodations.

O’Connell has earned a variety of other awards, including the Best Service, Best Wine List, Restaurant of the Year, Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic and Chef of the Year awards from the James Beard Foundation. The Zagat Survey has rated the Inn as number one in all categories for the past 14 years. O’Connell received an honorary doctorate in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University. He is the author of several best-selling cookbooks, is a frequent guest speaker and has appeared on many television shows.

“The Academy is proud to induct Patrick O’Connell into our Hall of Fame as a celebrated chef, as he is recognized around the country as a leader in our industry,” said AAC National Chair Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCE, AAC. “O’Connell now joins fellow celebrated chefs Charlie Trotter, James Beard and Thomas Keller in our Hall of Fame.”

Sponsors of AAC events at the 2009 ACF National Convention are: Allen Brothers; American Lamb Board; Barber Foods; BelGioioso Cheese Inc.; Buckhead Beef; Butterball Farms; The Chef’s Garden; CleanFish; Contessa Premium Foods; The Crystal Cave; Desserts International; Ecolab; Harbor Seafood; Hudson Valley Foie Gras; Ice Caterers; Icon Estates; Jennifer Garant; Labriola; Lactalis; Les Chateaux de France; Marky’s; Nestle Waters North America; New Chef Fashion; PinSource; Revol; The Schwan’s Food Company; Shucks Maine Lobster; Tito’s Hand Made Vodka; Valrhona; and Villeroy & Boch.

The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With more than 22,000 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, and to the Chef & Child Foundation, founded in 1989 to promote proper nutrition in children and to combat childhood obesity. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.

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To arrange an interview or for a high-res photo, contact Leah Craig at (800) 624-9458, ext. 113, or Patricia Carroll at ext. 147. Email lcraig@acfchefs.net or pcarroll@acfchefs.net.

Contact: Leah Craig
(800) 624-9458, ext. 113
lcraig@acfchefs.net

Patricia Carroll
(800) 624-9458, ext. 147
pcarroll@acfchefs.net

• Patrick O’Connell Recognized as Culinary Hall of Fame Celebrated Chef by the American Academy of Chefs