FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 18, 2009

Contact:  Julia Shell at juliashell@juliashellpr.com or 312-203-3130

Mayor Daley PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 to BE

“CHEF CARRIE NAHABEDIAN Day IN CHICAGO”

Chef Carrie Nahabedian to be Inducted into Chefs Hall of Fame

(CHICAGO, IL) – Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaims Tuesday, September 22, 2009 to be “Chef Carrie Nahabedian Day in Chicago”. Chef Nahabedian is being honored because of her numerous culinary accomplishments, and the day concludes with her induction into the Chefs Hall of Fame by the Chicago Culinary Museum. The Museum and Hall of Fame will celebrate Chef Nahabedian's induction at the Union League Club of Chicago located at 65 West Jackson Boulevard. The event will be open to the public and will also serve as a gala fundraiser for the Museum. 

Mayor Daley's proclamation cites Chef Nahabedian's career as co-owner and operator of NAHA where she melds diverse culinary traditions with a California sensibility and a reliance on fresh, locally produced ingredients. The proclamation also notes Chef Nahabedian's numerous awards including the 2008 "Best Chef Great Lakes" from the James Beard Foundation. Chef Nahabedian is a Chicago native and the first female inductee.  Previous recipients include the inaugural induction of Chef Charlie Trotter of Charlie Trotter’s in 2006, Chef Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven in 2007 and in 2008, Chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.

Chef Nahabedian was unaware of the intent of the Mayoral Proclamation until it was announced.  When she was informed, she was taken aback and could only say that she was “honored” by the Mayor’s declaration.

Tickets for this fourth annual induction ceremony will feature a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 pm, silent auction, awards presentation at 6:30 and dinner at 7:00. Tickets are available at $175 per person ($200 at the door) and may be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com  keyword search: NAHA.

 “We are thrilled that Mayor Daley has also recognized the talents of Chef Nahabedian along with us here at the Chefs Hall of Fame. We're delighted to be honoring her culinary achievements with this induction," commented John Kaufmann, Chicago Culinary Museum co-founder. 

About the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame:

Founded in 2006 by Chefs John Castro and John Kaufmann in conjunction with the Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Association, Inc., the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame was created to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Chicago chefs, food manufacturers, restaurateurs and hoteliers, while promoting and celebrating Chicago as a culinary Mecca.  In order to preserve and foster Chicago’s rich and diverse culinary history, the museum is dedicated to providing educational programs for all ages.  It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose goal is to raise funds and awareness in an effort to establish a physical museum in Chicago.  For more information on the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame, please visit www.thechicagoculinarymuseum.org or call 312-718-3221.

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