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5 December 2003
Fred Tibbitts’ Twelfth Annual
“An Autumn Evening in New York with Very Special Friends”
New York, NY – In typical “who’s who,” New York City tradition, the Twelfth
Annual Fred Tibbitts & Associates “An Autumn Evening in New York with Very
Special Friends” at the fashionable Union League Club on 11 November wowed the
190 fortunate few admitted to the FTA spectacular finale celebration of
Excellence Awards that signaled the finish of the 2003 New York International
Hotel & Restaurant Show.
The guests (Including the following: Owners, c.e.o.’s and operational
directors of world-renowned hotel and restaurant chains; industry press; and FTA
wine, beer, spirits and industry partners) were boldly announced in style by an
English gentleman complete with morning suit, silk top hat and ceremonial mace
as they were received in the historic Main Lounge. After the guests were led to
dinner in the Main Dining Room and warmly welcomed by host Fred Tibbitts, Master
of Ceremonies John Mauk Hilliard summoned everyone to their feet for the
presentation of the colors and a fife and drum presentation by the Veteran Corps
of Artillery. This was followed by a spectacular, traditional Thai dance
performance.
After prayers by Reformed, Episcopal, Jewish and Buddhist priests and
scholars, the evening proceeded with 35 often jovial Loyalty Toasts, given by
the many distinguished Ambassadors, Consul Generals, Society President and
dignitaries in attendance.
Then it was onward for the presentation of the Tibbitts Hospitality Awards
for Excellence. Fred Tibbitts recognized William Grant & Sons with the 2003 FTA
Supplier Award, which was accepted by Vice President, Global Accounts, Jeffrey
Bartfield. The 2003 FTA Literary Award was presented to Mary Gostelow,
President, Gostelow Travel, Hottest Hospitality News Worldwide, for The Gostelow
Report - presentation by Fred Mayo, Past President of CHRIE International.
The 2003 FTA Operator Award was presented to Peter Wyss, Vice President of
Operations, Restaurant Associates. By Steven Anderson, President & CEO, National
Restaurant Association. Prior to the presentation, Wyss was feted by His
Excellency Ambassador Raymond Loretan, Consul General of Switzerland and a
letter of congratulations from Nick Valenti, Chairman and CEO, Restaurant
Associates.
All FTA Award recipients were presented a scholarship in their name in the
amount of $5,000.00 at Johnson & Wales University for deserving students
studying the Culinary Arts by Rick Tarrantino, Executive Director of Advancement
& Annual Giving. Tanya Wyss, daughter of honoree Peter Wyss, is a third year
student at Johnson & Wales University, and she is thus the recipient of the
first Peter Wyss Scholarship.
Kevin Garvin, Vice President of Corporate Food Service, Neiman Marcus,
personally autographed a complimentary copy of his new Neiman Marcus Cook Book
for every guest. The books were very graciously sponsored by Raymond Vineyard &
Cellar, who’s Raymond Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000, was
served with the meal. Dudson USA very generously created a special, cobalt blue
cover plate to commemorate the event and they provided one for every guest.
The meal was skillfully prepared by the Neiman Marcus team of Kevin Garvin,
Anita Hirsch, Corporate Executive Chef and Frank Zack, Corporate Chef as well as
The Union League Club Executive Chef, Jacques Thiebeutt. Harriet Lembeck, New
York senior wine educator, skillfully paired the wines.
Once the colors were retired, the guests bid fond farewells until next year.
Fred Tibbitts & Associates, founded by its President and CEO Fred Tibbitts Jr,
is the pre-eminent global wine and spirits consulting agency to some of the
world’s leading hotel and restaurant groups.
The Company is based in New York.
WWW.FREDTIBBITTS.COM |