US Foods Celebrates the Country’s Rising Culinary Stars Through Partnership with StarChefs.com

ROSEMONT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amidst today’s ever-evolving culinary landscape, a select group of Rising Star chefs are bringing the culinary industry to new heights. Today, US Foods, an innovative food company and leading distributor, announced it is partnering with StarChefs.com to recognize these skilled chefs as a key sponsor of the 2013 StarChefs.com Rising Star Revues.

“At US Foods, we’re passionate about food and love seeing that same passion in the Rising Star chefs”

This partnership will provide a valuable opportunity for US Foods to connect with some of the nation’s most promising chefs and celebrate their achievements. Rising Stars recognizes up-and-coming chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and artisans that represent future leaders of the national culinary scene. The year’s first event kicks off in Philadelphia on February 21 and will bring together 18 of Philadelphia’s best chefs under one roof offering a one-of-a-kind tasting opportunity.

“At US Foods, we’re passionate about food and love seeing that same passion in the Rising Star chefs,” said Pietro Satriano, chief merchandising officer, US Foods. “We make it our mission to provide restaurant operators with unique and innovative products that help them stay on top of their culinary game, and it’s exciting to see the level of creativity and skill that these chefs bring to their local dining scenes. We are honored to work with them and celebrate their success.”

To highlight the collaboration between US Foods and this group of gifted chefs, five Rising Stars from Philadelphia will showcase US Foods products in their dish at this year’s gala. These Rising Stars will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Food Fanatics, the premier publication from US Foods that covers all segments of foodservice with in-depth articles on industry trends, as well as tips and resources to help restaurateurs increase their sales and profits. The Rising Stars who will be collaborating with US Foods include:

Chef Nicholas Elmi of Rittenhouse Tavern who will be serving lobster consommé with tomalley, poached lobster, sea urchin, razor clams, caviar and apple-horseradish marshmallow.
Chef Yun Fuentes of JG Domestic who will be serving roasted Australian lamb chop with sweetbreads and fried artichokes.
Chef Greg Vernick of Vernick Food & Drink who will be serving smoked salmon belly with a golden egg and parmesan vinaigrette.
Chef Will Zuchman of Alma de Cuba who will be serving scallops with king crab-corn quinoa and merken vinaigrette.
Chef Sara May of Franklin Fountain who will be serving an ice cream soda featuring raspberry soda, peach ice cream, whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

Rising Stars are selected by the StarChefs.com editorial team through in-person tastings and interviews. In each city, the editorial team conducts tastings and interviews with 60-100 chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists and sommeliers, ultimately selecting a group that best embodies the forefront of the city’s dining scene. In addition to being announced as a Rising Star, awards highlighting special talents from mixology to mentorships are presented at each gala.

“Each year, we scour the country to look for the best up and coming culinary talent,” said Antoinette Bruno, editor-in-chief of StarChefs.com. “We’re thrilled that US Foods has joined us as a sponsor as we celebrate the extraordinary skills of our 2013 Rising Star chefs.”

StarChefs.com, the award-winning online magazine for culinary insiders, has hosted the Rising Star Awards since 2006. Each year, StarChefs.com holds Rising Stars Revues in four American cities. This year they will be held in Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco and the Carolinas.

About US Foods

With more than $20 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America. As one of America’s great food companies and leading distributors, US Foods is Keeping Kitchens Cooking and making life easier for more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company offers more than 350,000 products, including high-quality, exclusive brands such as the innovative Chef’s Line, a time-saving, chef-inspired line of scratch-quality products, and Rykoff Sexton, a premium line of specialty ingredients sourced from around the world. US Foods also showcases its innovative food culture through The Scoop, a quarterly launch of new, on-trend products designed to make customers more successful. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.