The Culinary Institute of America Leadership Awards

April 24, 2017

The Culinary Institute of America Leadership Awards

What an honor to receive one of this year’s Culinary Institute of America leadership awards.

Last week, I was given the “Augie Award” at the 2017 CIA dinner at The American Museum of Natural History here in New York City - I was among a "Trio of Titans", which included producer, Shep Gordon, and Chef Jacques Pepin. The CIA leadership award is given annually to recognize the achievements of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and chefs who best embody the qualities of leadership, determination, and innovation. More than 600 foodservice and hospitality industry leaders, celebrity chefs, CIA alumni and other luminaries from business and entertainment attended. The event is the CIA's largest fundraiser for student scholarships, and was prepared by many of its past graduates.

Here are some of the photos - enjoy.

: The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is among the largest in the world and contains more than 33-million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, and other artifacts. In the center is a 94-foot long, 21,000-pound fiberglass model of a female blue whale. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: I was honored to be among the “Trio of Titans” to receive this year’s Augie Award™. It was originally created in tribute to famed French chef, Auguste Escoffier, and recognizes the achievements of culinary entrepreneurs and experts.

: The tables were all set so beautifully in a palette of red and white. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: More than two-dozen current CIA students, from the associate and bachelor’s programs, helped with preparations for the event. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: Chef Geoffrey Zakarian served as host – he welcomed the guests and thanked them all for attending. Geoffrey is a chef, television personality, author and a 1983 graduate of the CIA.

: I spoke about my early love for cooking, and my passion for learning all about food from my mother, and other culinary luminaries from around the world. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: Here is Chef Jacques Pepin, an internationally recognized French chef, television personality, and author.

: Also at the event – comedian and actor, Jason Sudeikis, and actress, Olivia Wilde. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: Chef Thomas Keller also addressed the audience. He is a 2007 Augie Award™ recipient.

: Here is Jacques watching from his seat at the table. Jacques has received many awards including the Daytime Emmy Award won with Julia Child, and two of the French government’s highest honors: the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1997 and a Chevalier de L’Ordre du Mérite Agricole in 1992. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: The lavish menu of hors d’oeuvres was prepared by guest chefs, many of whom are CIA alumni. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: The menu included seared prawns, NY strip steak and a delectable array of desserts and pies.

: Here are some of the chefs cooking the dishes. Everything was so delicious. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: And all the stations were beautifully presented. (Photo by Culinary Institute of America/Phil Mansfield)

: Here I am with our new CEO of Sequential Brands Group, Karen Murray.

: And here I am joined by architect and designer, David Rockwell.

: Nathan Myrhvold presented the Augie Award™ to me. Nathan is the former Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, and co-founder of Intellectual Ventures, and the principal author of the book series, “Modernist Cuisine.” He has also been featured on my television and radio shows.