By Tom McClimon
June 29, 2009

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Chair of the Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee announced the first annual U.S. Conference of Mayors National Culinary Award Program, stating that most people when they first visit a city, ask, "Where is the best place to eat?"

"This awards' program will recognize the important contribution that restaurateurs and chefs make to our communities," stated Hannemann. "Many of these individuals contribute a great deal to the economic growth and livability of our cities."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors National Culinary Award is sponsored along with the Conference of Mayors by the National Restaurant Association and the Culinary Institute of America. The award will be presented at the Conference's Winter Meeting in January 2010. The winner will also be recognized at the National Restaurant Association's annual meeting in Chicago in May 2010.

Mayors will be able to nominate restaurateurs or chefs in their communities. The award will be based on community service, reputation for hospitality, customer service and quality of food and beverage. A panel of judges composed of members of the Culinary Institute of America will select the award winner.

Nomination information will be available later this Summer with submissions due in the Fall.