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Photography for Philanthropy: A Culinary Art Auction to Benefit City Harvest

NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The InternationalRestaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, March 9-11, 2008 at the Jacob K.Javits Convention Center, is proud to announce a new Show feature --Photography for Philanthropy, a culinary art auction to benefit City Harvest.A group of renowned celebrity chefs have prepared exquisite culinary dishesthat have been captured through the lens of famed photographer Diana DeLucia,publisher of New York Restaurant Insider. This prestigious group of chefsincludes: Lidia Bastianich, Daniel Boulud, Tom Colicchio, Larry Forgione,Johnny Iuzzini, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Francois Payard, Eric Ripert andLaurent Tourondel.

The 27"x 33" photographs are framed with high quality painted black framesfrom Italy. The photographs have been framed by preservation experts to helpprotect the image from long term degradation. The acid free matting ispersonally autographed by each chef, making this limited edition seriesauthentic and original.

The online auction opened on Thursday, January 24th and closes at 11:00 pmon Sunday, February 24th. Opening bids begin at $250, with a second option tobuy outright for $950. To bid on the artwork and to learn more about thecollection, visit www.internationalrestaurantny.com/photoauction.

In addition to the online auction, the entire collection of autographedphotographs will be on display in a special exhibit on the Show floor of theInternational Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, March 9-11, 2008 atthe Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. On Monday, March 10th at 11:00 a.m. acheck from the auction proceeds will be presented to City Harvest.

A brainchild of Diana DeLucia, the Photography for Philanthropy project isa way to bring the beauty of an outstanding chef's culinary masterpiece to awider audience while benefiting a worthwhile cause. "I have the opportunityto meet, interview and photograph the top chefs in the world every month, andI wanted a way to share these images with a broader audience," DeLucia said."We are delighted to partner with these leading celebrity chefs and have themhelp us give back to the New York community," added DeLucia.

ABOUT THE CHEFS: Lidia Bastianich is a best-selling cookbook author,restaurateur, and the star of a national cooking show on public television.Daniel Boulud is The Chef/Owner of five award winning restaurants includingDANIEL, CAFE BOULUD and DB Bistro Moderne. Tom Colicchio is the Chef/Owner ofCraft Restaurants & 'wichcraft, and a judge since 2006 on Bravo Network'sreality series "Top Chef." Larry Forgione introduced An American Place toManhattan's Upper East Side in 1993, which exclusively features American grownand produced products. Johnny Iuzzini has been the Executive Pastry Chefsince 2002 at the famed four star name-sake, Restaurant Jean Georges, as wellas its cafe, Nougatine. Francois Payard joined Chef Daniel Boulud in 1993 forthe opening of Restaurant Daniel where he delighted guests with his chocolateand seasonal fruit menus. Eric Ripert was recruited as chef for Le Bernardinin 1993 and since has firmly established himself as one of New York's -- andthe worlds -- great chefs. Laurent Tourondel is the Executive Chef/Partner ofBLT Restaurants and has successfully transformed the American steak and fishhouse. Jean-Georges Vongerichten is internationally acclaimed by critics as"formidably gifted," and a "residential genius" and has been involved in suchsuccessful restaurants as Jo Ho, Vong, Jean Georges, The Mercer Kitchen andPrime.

Proceeds from the art auction will benefit City Harvest, the world's firstfood rescue organization, dedicated to feeding the city's hungry men, women,and children. For more information, visit www.cityharvest.org.

ABOUT THE SPONSORS

The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, (March 9-11,2008 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York) is the premierefoodservice event in the Northeast. For information, visitwww.internationalrestaurantny.com.

New York Restaurant Insider Magazine, a monthly culinary magazine thatpresents its readers with in-depth looks at New York's best known chefs andrestaurateurs. Visit www.nyrestaurantinsider.com.

Bently Construction, Inc meets a client's needs and budget with thehighest quality and service in the industry. Visit www.bentlyconstruction.com.

SOURCE The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York