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News & Press ReleasesGastronomic Leaders to Gather at Glitzy Multimedia Gala - 4th Annual BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Gala Raises Funds, Recognizes Industry's BestMarch 20, 2008 (Vancouver, BC) — The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is pleased to announce a very special evening. On Monday, April 7th, 2008 more than 500 of the most passionate foodies from the British Columbia culinary scene will gather at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre to raise funds and celebrate their finest. At the fourth annual induction gala, Global TV’s news anchor Chris Gailus will oversee the interactive Hall of Fame presentations and special industry celebration. The evening commences with a champagne and sparkling wine reception where CTV’s News at Five anchor Coleen Christie will host the who’s who of BC’s vibrant and unique restaurant industry. Some of the past and present Restaurant Hall of Fame attendees set to attend include Umberto, Rob Feenie, John Bishop, Harry McWatters, Erwin Doebeli, Rod Butters, and Bruno Marti, plus many, many more. In addition to live music, on-screen video presentations, raffle and a live auction, the memorable evening will feature a sumptuous five-course dinner prepared by Chef Blair Rasmussen and his culinary team, accompanied by British Columbia wines, ports and Icewine. Fittingly, charitable recipients of the 2008 gala are the BC Hospitality Foundation, which offers financial assistance to people who work in food, beverage and hospitality professions at a critical time of need; and Hope Action Values Ethics Culinary Training Society (H.A.V.E.), a social enterprise on the downtown eastside that is dedicated to developing job and life skills in its students. The 2008 Inductees are twelve exceptional individuals in varying categories who are truly deserving of a place in the Hall of Fame:
A new addition this year is the special Eat BC! Restaurant of the Year Award, which will be presented to Fresco Restaurant and Lounge in Kelowna. The award is consumer-nominated and is a celebration of BC restaurants that are committed to serving fresh, local and tasty British Columbia food and beverages. Closing the gala will be the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivered as a tribute to the late James Barber, “the Urban Peasant”. Barber’s widow Christina Burridge, wine columnist at Vancouver magazine, will accept the award, which will be presented by freelance food writer Duncan Holmes. This highly-anticipated event sells out quickly, and limited tickets are available at $200.00 (plus GST) per ticket. Order of proceedings: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Brut Reception - 5:00 to 6:00 pm; Gala Dinner and presentation (Black Tie Optional) 6:15 – 10:30 pm. Call 604-628-9547 or visit www.bcrfa.com for tickets or more information. In 2004 the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame was founded by the BCRFA and directors, Bing Smith and Don Monsour, to celebrate and promote excellence in BC’s culinary traditions and pay tribute to the outstanding individuals, past and past present, who have shaped this vibrant industry. Inductees were chosen by a panel of 75 judges comprised of industry leaders from throughout the province. The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame recognizes the inductees at a gala induction dinner held in the spring of each year. Long term, all inductees' names and photos will stand in the permanent home of the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame located at the Centre for Excellence and Innovation in Hospitality; at the Vancouver Community College downtown Vancouver campus. However, the goal of the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is to embrace our digital and technological society. The virtual Hall of Fame will tell the stories of our inductees, with the goal of mentoring, leading, and inspiring the youth of today, the inductees of tomorrow.
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