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MANILA, Philippines - Who is the Chicago-based chef who is known as a living culinary and philanthropic legend, and was one of only five heroes honored by President George W. Bush and Colin Powell for his work in America’s Promise Charity?
His interest in food was developed when he was in college by his roommate Joel Fish, who was an avid cook. He became interested in what Joel was doing and soon found himself immersed in the world of cookbooks and preparing meals as a way of entertaining friends.
Midway through his studies at the University of Wisconsin, he decided to take a year off and read every book he could, including cookbooks. He later returned to college, earned a BS Political Science degree, and began cooking and catering small parties.
After graduation, he traveled to the US and Europe to dine only at the finest restaurants to learn how the “best” gained that title, and to see what the future could possibly hold for him.
Returning to the US, he began catering parties for family and friends. This was his way of testing the waters for his culinary skills, with focus on good service and good wine. After a year, he decided to open a restaurant named after himself with his father Bob as a partner in 1987.
With his cuisine originating from the finest foodstuff available, the restaurant was an instant hit. A network of over 90 purveyors provide the fresh, healthful ingredients that inspire him to prepare flavorful masterpieces. From naturally raised meat, and line-caught seafood to organic produce, every component from each dish is the most pure available.
“No restaurant in America comes closer to delivering a flawless total dining experience,” Wine Spectator said. More than that, it won numerous awards, including the AAA’s highest rating, Five Diamonds, from 1993 to the present. Both he and his resto have also been honored with numerous James Beard Awards — Best Chef, Midwest, 1992; Outstanding Wine Service, 1993; Outstanding Chef Award, 1999; Best Food Photography for Desserts, 1999; Best National Television Cooking Show for his Kitchen Session Series, 2000; Outstanding Restaurant, 2000; and Outstanding Service, 2002.
Beyond cooking, his strong philanthropic sense led to the establishment of a Culinary Education Foundation, which offers scholarships to those entering culinary programs, as well as an Excellence Program, which allows high school students to come in and experience the cuisine of the restaurant as well as listening to staff members how they pursue excellence on a daily basis.
He has also been actively supporting many charitable organizations and has been cited for his efforts. He organized the first James Beard Foundation’s Dinner of the Decade, and chaired the American Cancer Society’s Vin Affair, which raised over US$3 million in three years.
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Last week’s question: Who is the Iranian-born architect who has designed some of the most popular buildings, from Duzai to Hamburg, and from Moscow to Istanbul?
Answer: Hadi Teherani
Winner: Glenn Suarez of Quezon City
