White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford Receives Honor from March of Dimes Chicago as 2010 Chef of the Year

CHICAGO, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2010 March of Dimes Chicago Chef of the Year Award will be presented to White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.  Now in its second year, this honor was created out of a desire to recognize chefs with Chicago ties for their achievements in culinary arts.  In 2009, the inaugural award was presented to Chef Rick Bayless, who is expected to pass the honor to Chef Comerford during the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction of Chicago on Wednesday, November 3 at the Swissotel, 323 E. Wacker Drive, 5 - 9 p.m.  Emcees for the evening are Fox Chicago's Amy Freeze and Robin Robinson.

As the recipient of the 2010 award, Chef Comerford is being honored for her commitment to culinary arts; dedication to the environment, the farming industry, healthy eating, and an eco-friendly lifestyle.  Accomplishments include bringing nationwide attention to healthy eating and reducing childhood obesity. 

Chef Comerford began her culinary career in Chicago when, at the age of 23, she held her first professional culinary positions at two Chicago hotels.  Upon moving to Washington, D.C. she became a key member of the White House culinary staff in 1995.

"She is so deserving, Chicago's own, and will truly come home to a hero's welcome," said Celebrity Chef and 2009 Chef of the Year Rick Bayless, "My experience cooking in the White House kitchen was so amazing and unforgettable because of one person, Chef Cris."

The Signature Chefs Auction of Chicago will be led by the Honorary Chefs for the evening, Executive Chef Gabriel Viti of Gabriel's Restaurant and Miramar Bistro, Executive Chef Jonathan Lane of Benny's Chop House, and long-time March of Dimes chef and supporter, Executive Chef Hans Aeschbacher.

The list of confirmed restaurants continues to grow. To date, the local participating restaurants include: Benny's Chop House, Gabriel's Restaurant and Miramar Bistro, Prosecco, Province, Boka, The Signature Room at the 95th, Volare, Roy's, N9NE, The Palm, Purple Pig and Heaven on Seven, Wishbone, Chef Fredy Cuisine, Olympia Fields Country Club, Zak's Place and Dish Functions.

More than 600 guests will have the opportunity to sample the unique dishes of over 25 local chefs representing some of the city's most notable restaurants. For more information about the event, visit www.marchofdimes.com/illinois or call 312.596.4723.

The Honorary Chairpersons of the event are Wade D. Miquelon, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Walgreens and Denise Wong, Vice President and Division Chief Information Officer, Walgreens. The event Co-Chairpersons are Deborah D. Ludwig, WTAS and Thomas A. Iannucci, M.D., Advocate Lutheran General.

The presenting sponsor of the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction of Chicago is Walgreens. Event sponsorship is also provided by Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Booz & Co., Goldman Sachs, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Tata Consultancy Services.  Additional sponsorship is provided by 97.1 FM The Drive. Transportation for top sponsors, participating chefs and celebrity chefs provided by Illinois Chevy: Your Mission. Our Drive.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

SOURCE The March of Dimes