U.S. CHEFS TRAIN FOR 2008

CULINARY OLYMPICS – WITH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sterling, VA – Training for the International Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany,

in October, the Culinary Team USA is preparing artful ways to showcase its menus with

new tableware designed by Fortessa exclusively for the chef contestants. 

A sponsor of the U.S. team since 2004, Fortessa has extended the collection of

elegant presentation dinnerware for the quadrennial cook-off, adding inventive new designs

developed in collaboration with Master Chef Edward G. Leonard.

“Presentation will be a key part in spotlighting innovative features of foods – very

important in judging, which gives a competitive edge to our menus,” said Chef Leonard,

who is captain of the U. S. team.  At this year’s Olympics – the most prestigious event in the

culinary world – the team will compete with leading chefs from 35 countries.

While menus remain a secret for now, Chef Leonard described new china pieces

team members will use to present their cuisine – pieces that actually inspired some dishes.  A

large oval appetizer platter, for example, features a raised well shaped in platform style,

giving the appearance of elevating the food.

These designs complement the team’s dinnerware selected from the trendsetting

“Accentz”™ collection, including compartmented plates, teardrop platters, flaring coupes, and

sculpted accessories.  “The innovative shapes enhance food display and raise presentation

to an art form, while never distracting the eye from the food,” noted Chef Leonard. 

Showcasing menus in stylish new china settings will be part of team strategy in

defending its title at this year’s international cooking competition in Germany, October 19-22. 

Culinary Team USA, fielded by the American Culinary Federation, holds one of only four

gold medals awarded at the at 2004 Olympics – as hot food champions –  and ranks third

over-all in world culinary excellence.  

Fortessa, the designer, developer and marketer of high-end tableware products,

sets the table for fine dining in restaurants throughout America and around the world.  

############