Poppy Tooker of Slow Food; Paul Roberts, MS, The French Laundry
On October 5, 2006, Slow Food USA will host its second annual gala, Fertile Ground: Celebrating Our Food Community. Slow Food founder and president, Carlo Petrini, will be on hand to present the first Carlo Petrini Leadership Award to Poppy Tooker. Ms. Tooker founded the New Orleans convivium in 1999 which since has grown to more than 200 members. With her motto "Eat it to save it!" Slow Food has been a perfect philosophical fit. Through the work of Slow Food, Poppy has been instrumental in reviving endangered local foods such as Creole cream cheese and rice calas. She has served as an international governor with the movement and currently heads the US Slow Food Ark and Presidia Committee, where in her first year boarded more than 50 foods at risk of extinction onto the Slow Food Ark of Taste.
As the Director of Wine & Beverage for all of the Thomas Keller properties including The French Laundry and Bouchon in Yountville, Per Se in New York City, and Bouchon in Las Vegas, Paul Roberts aims to create world class wine programs at each of the properties. Roberts also takes great pride in pairing non-alcoholic beverages with Keller's acclaimed cuisine. Inspired by the 12 year old son of a famous restaurant critic, Roberts set out to provide an equally great dining experience for those who cannot or do not drink alcohol. Working with partners such as Navarro vineyards, who produce great "grape juice" from Pinot Noir or Gewurztraminer, staying away from any sodas made from a corn syrup base and paying attention to glassware are just some of the ways Roberts insures the dining experience is truly world class for all of his patrons.
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Podcast Date: 10/2/2006