LOS ANGELES — The Art of Plating is launching a new recognition program that will celebrate figures impacting the culinary landscape in the U.S. and Canada.
Founded by Maria Nguyen in 2013 and best known for its Instagram presence, The Art of Plating is a media-and-events company devoted to the exhibition of gastronomy as a form of high art.
“We’ve made it a part of our unwavering mission to support, lift and empower the next generation of industry talents,” Nguyen said in an online statement. “We’re pleased to announce The Art of Plating Rising-Talent list, a new annual list celebrating the diverse figures who are forging a new path in the culinary and hospitality space.”
The Art of Plating Rising Talent will honour 16 individuals through a rigorous multi-phase process. Candidates are nominated by an invitation-only community of industry insiders comprised of more than 150 professionals and tastemakers in the U.S. and Canada. Candidates must show exceptional talent, be under 35 years of age or have worked in their field for less than five years.
While the program will recognize chefs and restaurateurs, it will also highlight other players within the culinary ecosystem, including farmers, producers, artisans, photographers, journalists, entrepreneurs, researchers, hoteliers and more.
Semi-finalists will be selected based on the nominations submitted and the final honourees will be chosen by a judging committee and announced on Oct. 15, 2019. Committee members include Nguyen, chef Daniel Humm, chef Dominique Crenn, hotelier Brian De Lowe and photographer Evan Sung.
