The Year's Most Anticipated Culinary Event: Legendary Chefs Gather at the Citymeals Annual Chefs' Tribute to James Beard

NEW YORK, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- A constellation of culinary stars will create heavenly haute cuisine at the year's most anticipated gourmet extravaganza – the 25th Chefs' Tribute to James Beard, on June 14, 2010 in Rockefeller Center, it was announced by event organizer, Citymeals-on-Wheels.  Citymeals was co-founded by Chef Beard and Gael Greene in 1981.

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Food & Wine's special projects director Gail Simmons – who also delights audiences as a judge on Bravo's smash hit Top Chef – will emcee the event expected to raise $800,000 to fund the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals to frail, homebound elderly New Yorkers.

Forty legendary chefs will dazzle more than 1,000 of NYC's elite business and civic leaders, philanthropists and socialites at this strolling feast. Among those cooking for the cause will be Daniel Boulud, DANIEL; Claudia Fleming & Gerry Hayden, The North Fork Table & Inn; Larry Forgione, An American Place; Michael Mina, MICHAEL MINA; Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu; Bradley Ogden, Bradley Ogden at Caesar's Palace; Charlie Palmer, Aureole; Alfred Portale, Gotham Bar & Grill; Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group; Jimmy Schmidt, Rattlesnake/Morgan's in the Desert; and Jonathan Waxman, Barbuto.

"Even as James Beard was busy defining the landscape of American cuisine, he made time to stop and ensure that homebound elderly New Yorkers had a warm meal to sustain them everyday," said Marcia Stein, Citymeals' Executive Director.  "Just as he influenced the culinary skills of a generation of chefs, he also taught them concern for the frail aged.  Our deepest thanks to all who carry on his legacy through Citymeals."

Rockefeller Center will come alive with designs of architect David Rockwell -- inspired by the theme "Silver Spoons: 25 Years of Chefs & Celebrations."

Nick Valenti / Patina Restaurant Group marks his 25th year as Grand Host. Chefs' Tribute would not be possible without the support of perennial chairs, Ninah & Michael Lynne, Laura & John Pomerantz, Randi & Dennis Riese, and Tanuja & Haresh Tharani.  Beverage Chair is Audrey Saunders (The Pegu Club).

Official Citymeals sponsors are American Airlines and FIJI Water.  Sponsors include Nature's Pride® bread, Affinia Hotel Group, bpi, Party Rental Ltd., Riese Restaurants, and UNIMAC Graphics.

Tickets start at $600.  Contact (212) 687-1290 or [email protected].

SOURCE Citymeals-on-Wheels