THE NATIONAL SEARCH FOR TUSCAN-STYLE CHEFS HAS BEGUN!

Over 50 US Chefs Vie for the Melini Honors Grand Award of Excellence Title.

NEW YORK CITY--June 2002--Over 50 chefs from around the nation have submitted recipes for a chance to win the title of Tuscan chef of the year at the 2002 Melini Honors Tuscan Chef Award of Excellence competition.
   
   The 2nd Annual competition began in April 2002 with a call to chefs" to submit recipes reflecting the tastes, colors and flavors of Tuscany. As of today, a total of 54 mouth-watering delicacies were received from cities across the nation. Coast to coast, chefs with or without ties to Tuscany or Italy, have been working on their Italiano in the last few months to come up with top, award-winning ideas. Gaetano Trovato of Arnolfo Ristorante, a Michelin two-star chef/restaurateur in Siena, will act as honorary judge in charge of evaluating each and every recipe.

   We instituted Melini Honors in 2001 to begin acknowledging chefs-Italian or not Italian-from around the United States for their efforts in observing, preserving and promoting Tuscan-style cuisine," explained Vincenzo Marino, Sr. VP Group Marketing Director for Frederick Wildman and Sons, in charge of the Melini brand. I was thrilled to see such enthusiasm so quickly from chefs from some less-than-obvious states such as Arkansas, Missouri, etc.," continued Marino, it shows that Italian food is an international favorite and a way of life!"

   One chef from each region (east, west, south and mid-west) will be chosen as a Grand Winner and will be flown to New York City to participate in a Gala celebration in their honor on October 24th at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room. A ceremony, during which cash awards and trophies will be presented, will precede the traditional Tuscan dinner to be prepared by Michelin two-star chef Gaetano Trovato of Arnolfo Ristorante.

The Melini family constructed the first winery in 1705 in Pontassieve, a village on the outskirts for Florence. Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico district, it is part of Gruppo Italiano Vini, the largest and most diverse wine company in Italy. Melini and GIV are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tuscany and its culture.