And the winners are

Being a big supporter of my hometown Baltimore it was a joy to see recognition for jobs well done recently handed out by the MADE: In America organization.  The city’s leading chefs created tasty morsels and Wit and Wisdom’s lead bartender created cocktails all reflective of the Foodways Award winners:

The American Treasures 2016 awardees in the Culinary Arts/Foodways:

·         Bourbon Barrel Foods, Louisville, Kentucky

·         J.M Clayton - Seafood, Cambridge, Maryland

·         Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey Distillery, Baltimore, Maryland

The 2016 American Treasures Awards were presented to the Nation’s top farmers, foragers and craft producers who were featured in a tasting created by the All American Chefs, chaired by Zach Mills, Executive Chef at Wit and Wisdom.

The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Mayor of the City of Baltimore presented the inaugural Baltimore’s American Treasures Awards to individuals in recognition of their meritorious contributions to the city.

The Baltimore’s American Treasures Awardees are:

·         The Honorable Barbara Mikulski, United States Senate, Maryland

·         Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress elect

Also presented at the event was the prestigious American Benefactor Award to the Paterakis Family of Baltimore, Maryland for their support of the All American Chefs:

·         Zach Mills (Chair) Executive Chef, Wit &Wisdom, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

·         Chris Amendola, Executive Chef, Waterfront Kitchen

·         Chris Becker, Corporate Executive Chef, The Bagby Group

·         Jerry Edwards, CPCE, Pres. and Corp Chef, Chef's Expressions

·         Chad Gauss, Chef/Owner at Food Market

·         Cyrus Keefer, Executive Chef

·         Jerry Pelligrino, Chef at Schola

·         Nicholas Sharpe, Executive Chef, Birch and Barley

·         Jonathan Levy, Lead Bartender, Wit and Wisdom, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

MADE: In America’s mission is to create and foster a business climate conducive to the free exchange of ideas and information to revitalize and sustain the competitiveness of American commerce and industry in a global economy. A non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, MADE: In America serves businesses throughout the United States. The organization presents the American Treasures awards to individuals and organizations for significant and singular contributions that are shaping and transforming our Nation’s cultural heritage. Learn more at http://madeinamerica-usa.org/