The James Beard Foundation recently announced that Nora Pouillon, restaurateur, author, and the first American chef to open a certified organic restaurant, has been named the recipient of the 2017 James Beard Lifetime Achievement award, and Denise Cerreta, founder of One World Everybody Eats (OWEE), has been named the recipient of the 2017 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award.
The Lifetime Achievement award is bestowed upon a person in the industry whose lifetime body of work has had a positive and long-lasting impact on the way we eat, cook and think about food in America. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to an individual or organization whose work in the realm of food has improved the lives of others and benefited society at large. Nora Pouillon and Denise Cerreta will be honored at this year’s James Beard Foundation Awards on Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“The two women we honor this year are positively inspiring game changers in our culinary world,” said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. “As the first chef to open an all-organic restaurant over 38 years ago, Nora has truly impacted the way people and the industry think about the food we eat. Denise’s pay-what-you-can community cafes are transforming the way community restaurants can help others who can’t afford dining out to enjoy a healthy, good meal. We look forward to honoring the powerful work they’re doing to create a better food system.”
“I am honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement award,” said Nora. “When I had the pleasure of hosting James Beard at my restaurant he encouraged me to continue with my style of cooking. I would like to thank my two business partners, Steven and Thomas Damato, who helped make my dream a reality. I am grateful to my team for the last 38 years of hard work. My hope is this award will inspire chefs to continue with my mission of being good stewards of the environment while making delicious organic food.”
“I am so surprised and honored to have received the James Beard Humanitarian Award,” said Denise. “I never would have believed something like this could happen to me in a million years. I will gratefully accept this award on behalf of all the visionary café owners, their communities and the board members who have dedicated so much to even make this possible. My hope is that this recognition will fertilize the seed in the hearts of others who also want to eliminate hunger.”
Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and further the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.
- Photo: Life of Pix
