News & Media

Welcome to our News & Media page. We have provided here for you here updated information a review of news, press releases and soon to be...our own blog of seasonal activities with the growing and harvesting of heirloom tomato seeds and activities around the upcoming Carmel TomatoFest.

Latest "News:"

July 19, 2007 - The Carmel TomatoFest will be presented by Bert Cutino, past Chairman of the AAC, at the 2007 American Culinary Federation National Convention, July 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. During the convention, The American Academy of Chefs (AAC), the honor society of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), will induct Tracy Griffith, sushi chef (and our Miss Hot Tomato) into the AAC as an Honorary Fellow during a formal ceremony and dinner.

Honorary AAC Fellows are exemplary culinarians or foodservice industry partners who have dedicated many years of service to the promotion of the culinary profession, the ACF and the American Culinary Federation Foundation. Griffith was one of only six individuals inducted this year. In addition, she was given an ACF honorary membership.

July 16, 2007 - Gary Ibsen announced the 2007 TomatoFest Hall of Fame Award winners. The TomatoFest "Hall of Fame," is an awards program designed to recognize persons who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their field. These are persons who have contributed greatly to the success of the Carmel TomatoFest and the resurgence, bio-diversity and sustainability of heirloom tomatoes and other foods. They are culinary artists committed to quality, healthful living and innovation. They are specialty food producers, farmers, journalists, authors, educators, members of the hospitality industry and persons in public service who are dedicated to enhancing the quality and healthfulness of our lives.

Chefs:

This year we honor seven (7) chefs for their outstanding culinary creations featuring heirloom tomatoes.

Beat Giger, CEC, AAC Director of Special Events/Corporate Chef, Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble beach, CA
Craig von Foerster, Executive Chef, Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
Peter Pahk, Executive Chef, The Royal Oak at Silverado Resort, Napa, CA
Jeff Rogers, Executive Chef, Quail Lodge Golf Club & Resort, Carmel, CA
Luis Solano, Executive Chef, The Whole Enchilada, Moss Landing, CA
Ted Walter, Chef/Co-Owner, Passionfish, Pacific Grove, CA
Rick Edge, Executive Chef, Culinary Center of Monterey, Monterey, CA

Educator of the Year:

Honoring an educator who exceptionally communicates a knowledge of food, culinary studies or healthy gardening practices to benefit children and/or the community-at-large.

Laurie Fannin, Garden Coordinator/ Instructor, Carmel River School Children's Garden & Life Lab, Carmel, CA.

Journalist/Editor:

Honoring persons who have demonstrated overall excellence in reporting, writing, editing in all media, magazine & newspaper food section design and content. In honoring a publication we honor the effectiveness with which the reporting, writing, editing and design are united to attract reader attention and provide the reader entertaining, useful information for better living.

Katie Tamony, Editor-In-Chief, Sunset magazine, Menlo Park, CA

Farmer:

Honoring persons and farms that demonstrate integrity, leadership in healthy food production practices, inter-active community service, and support crop diversity and organic sustainability.

Myra & Drew Goodman, Co-Founders, Earthbound Farm, Carmel, CA.