October 14, 2004 - Chef Paul Ferzacca Named Distinguished Visiting Chef by Johnson & Wales University

Famed Vail Chef Will Share His Culinary Secrets at Denver Demonstration on Oct. 20

Vail, CO – Paul Ferzacca, Executive Chef and Owner of La Tour Restaurant in Vail, Colorado, has been invited to be Distinguished Visiting Chef at Johnson & Wales University in Denver on Wednesday, October 20.

Ferzacca was chosen as Distinguished Visiting Chef due to his excellent reputation as an up-and-coming star chef in Colorado and his commitment to educating future generations of chefs.  Only three chefs per year are invited to participate in the Distinguished Visiting Chef Program, which honors outstanding culinarians, at Johnson & Wales University.  Ferzacca is one of the first chefs from Colorado to be given this honor.

During his presentation, Ferzacca will discuss his interpretation of several classic French dishes, his extensive experience in the restaurant industry and his thoughts on leadership.  Ferzacca will also be preparing some of his favorite creations from La Tour’s menu during his dynamic cooking demonstration including: Escargots, Dover Sole Meunière, Tourchon of Foie Gras and Sweetbreads.

“I’m honored to come to Johnson & Wales as a Distinguished Visiting Chef to share some of my experiences and culinary creations with the students,” said Ferzacca.  “Giving back to the community and the food and restaurant industry is an important part of my career.”   

Ferzacca’s presentation and cooking demonstration will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 in the Special Events Dining Room in The Hospitality College at Johnson & Wales University (7150 Montview Boulevard, Denver).  Around 75 culinary arts students will attend each demonstration.  The public is also invited to attend Ferzacca’s presentation and cooking demonstration.

 Ferzacca continues to receive rave reviews from the culinary press for his elegant, delectable, nouvelle cuisine.  Since he became owner of La Tour Restaurant in 1998, Ferzacca, an honoree of the James Beard House in New York, has upgraded La Tour’s menu and has established a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.  Ferzacca has turned La Tour into one of the most elegant and chic restaurants in the Vail Valley, serving exquisite French/American cuisine.  La Tour is known as the restaurant “where the chef’s go to eat” and has been voted by Vail Daily readers:  “Best French Restaurant in Vail Valley,” “Best Food – Regardless of Price” and “Most Amazing Restaurant Service.” 

La Tour Restaurant & Bar is an award-winning restaurant located in the heart of Vail Village at 122 East Meadow Drive, just a few steps from the Vail Village parking structure.  The restaurant is open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Reservations can be made online at www.latour-vail.com or by calling La Tour at 970-476-4403.  Now through December 1, La Tour will be offering 50 percent off all entrees. 

The Distinguished Visiting Chef® Program was established to honor outstanding culinarians and, at the same time, provide an expanded learning experience for culinary arts students at Johnson & Wales University. The Distinguished Visiting Chefs Hall of Fame includes: Paul Bocuse, Jacques Pepin, Madeleine Kamman and Emeril Lagasse, a graduate of Johnson & Wales. 

Johnson & Wales University — America’s Career University® – was founded in 1914. It is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, food service, education, hospitality and technology. For more information about Johnson & Wales University, visit www.jwu.edu.

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