Paul Shenkman Named National '2010 Restaurateur of the Year' by the Prestigious Sante Magazine Awards Committee

HALF MOON BAY, Calif., Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California, is proud to announce that culinary entrepreneur and owner Paul Shenkman has been named National "2010 Restaurateur of the Year" by Sante, the Magazine for Restaurant Professionals.  The award honors a lifetime achievement of exceptional work and service, and commitment to the restaurant and hospitality industry from the perspective of entrepreneurship and business management.  The award is determined by Sante's editorial staff and Editorial Advisory Board.  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101102/SF93404)

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101102/SF93404)

In addition to owning and operating Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, CA, last year Shenkman launched the nation's first mobile gourmet seafood truck, Sam's ChowderMobile (www.samschowdermobile.com), recently named "TOP TEN FAB FOOD TRUCKS IN AMERICA " by The Learning Channel (TLC) on the "Best Food Ever" TV Show.  In August of this year, he also opened Osteria Coppa (www.osteriacoppa.com), a farm-to-table concept featuring artisan pasta and artisan pizza in downtown San Mateo, recruiting former Quince pasta king Chanan Kamen as Executive Chef.

"It's quite an honor for me to be recognized by my industry peers, and I'm extremely excited to win this national award" said Shenkman.  "I am lucky to be able to build a career around my passion for food, and equally lucky to have such talented service and kitchen staff to make each business such a success."

Now in their thirteenth year, the Sante Awards were created to recognize excellence in restaurant food, wine, spirits, and service hospitality. The Sante Awards program is the only peer-judged national restaurant and hospitality competition in North America.  Previous year's winners of this top award have included master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck, and Alan Stillman, Founder of the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group.  

This year's award winners and distinguished guests will gather in honor of the winners' achievements at the 2010 Sante Awards Gala Dinner on November 9, at the Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, California.  More information can be found on the Sante Magazine awards website:  http://www.isantemagazine.com/awards.html  

About Sam's Chowder House

Featured on NBC's The Today Show, and named "Best Seafood Restaurant in San Mateo County", Sam's Chowder House offers breathtaking sunsets by the cozy fire, a dramatic panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, and spectacular fresh seafood.  Located at 4210 North Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay, CA.  (650) 712-0245 or www.samschowderhouse.com. Twitter @samschowder.  

About Sam's ChowderMobile

Delivering award-winning gourmet seafood, Sam's ChowderMobile provides lunch and dinner, lobster clambakes, and on-site events throughout the Bay Area, with its fully-equipped mobile kitchen.  Named "TOP TEN FAB FOOD TRUCKS IN AMERICA" on The Learning Channel (TLC) "Best Food Ever" TV Show.  Visit www.samschowdermobile.com.  Twitter @chowdermobile.  

About Osteria Coppa

Specializing in farm-to-table contemporary Italian cuisine, Osteria Coppa features artisanal pasta and pizza handcrafted with market-fresh, local ingredients.  Located at 139 South B Street, in the heart of downtown San Mateo, with a full bar and outdoor seating.  Dinner served six days, Tuesday through Sunday from 5-10pm. Closed Mondays. (650) 579-6021 or visit www.osteriacoppa.com.  Twitter @osteriacoppa.

SOURCE Sam's Chowder House