WHAT:
Established in 1990, The James Beard Foundation Awards are the premier honors for fine food and beverage professionals in North America. More than 60 Awards are given to chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, journalists, broadcasters and restaurant designers. Award nominees and winners are selected by secret ballot by their industry peers. More than 400 food and beverage professionals vote. Each judge is assigned to vote in one or more award categories, based on his or her areas of expertise. An outside accounting firm handles tabulation. Winners receive a bronze award medallion etched with the image of James Beard.

WHEN:
Awards Gala

Monday, May 10, 2004
Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.
Reception: 8:30 p.m.

Location:
New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th Street, NYC, NY

Ticket Prices:
$300 for general public; $250 for James Beard Foundation members

Journalism Awards Dinner

Friday, May 7, 2004
Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Dinner: 7:00 p.m., featuring flavors of the Spanish Caribbean

Location:
Grand Hyatt New York
Park Avenue at Grand Central, NYC, NY

Ticket Price:
$95 - Open to journalists by invitation

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION:
The James Beard Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to furthering the practice and appreciation of the culinary arts. The Foundation was established in 1985 in memory of the late cookbook author, journalist, chef, and teacher James Beard, the "father of American gastronomy." For membership information, call 800-36-BEARD or 212-627-2308. The American Express® Card is the official Card of The James Beard Foundation and The James Beard Foundation Awards.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CALL:
Melanie Young, Awards Director 212-620-7027 ext. 303