National Restaurant Show--May 19-22, 2007, Chicago, IL.

The National Restaurant Association's prestigious, quadrennial American Culinary Classic (ACC) competition and lively demonstrations by members of the Research Chefs Association (RCA) will take center stage in the Culinary Scene area of the 2007 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 19-22 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Last time the ACC was held in 2003, the U.S. team brought home the gold, a feat it will attempt to duplicate this year while battling teams from 11 other countries. After the competition is done, RCA representatives will showcase their Culinology skills--mixing culinary arts and science to create new and exciting menu items.

Now in its 88th year, the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the Western Hemisphere's largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice, and lodging professionals. As the industry's premier business venue, it offers attendees the best opportunities of the year for networking and exploring new trends, as well as insight on myriad industry issues via seminars and special events. The 2006 Show hosted 73,500+ attendees from 110 countries, and a record-breaking 2,080 exhibitors in 600,000+ square feet of display space.

"Drawing inspiration from fellow culinary professionals is a great way to advance the culinary arts and promote innovation, and this year's Show is sure to provide plenty of opportunities to see some of the most talented chefs in the U.S. and the rest of the world in action," said William C. Anton, FMP, convention chairman for the 2007 Show, and chairman and founder of Anton Airfood, Inc. "We created the special Culinary Scene area of the Show floor to provide a professional-grade space for the visiting chefs and display-kitchen viewing for attendees. This year's events--the American Culinary Classic and the Research Chefs Association showcases--offer a great opportunity to be entertained and inspired, as well as learn from the best in the business."

Teams from the Bahamas, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, U.S.A., and Wales will compete in this year's American Culinary Classic. The competition will be held 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each Show day in the Culinary Scene area. Twelve six-member culinary teams, each representing his or her country, will compete in both hot and cold food categories, and will be evaluated on creativity, blending of flavor, presentation, timing, and technique.

For more information visit the Restaurant Show website at www. restaurant.org/show.