Three of Bravo's "Top Chef" reality show's biggest stars – Richard Blais, Spike Mendelsohn and Fabio Viviani – will help raise funds for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's (NRAEF) ProStart program at Restaurants Rock.
The three celebrity chefs and restaurateurs will host the second annual party held May 6 during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and will conduct demos on the NRA Show floor in the World Culinary Showcase.
Restaurants Rock – to be held at Chicago's LaSalle Power Company – is the official all-industry party of the NRA Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB). The event, sponsored by Crown Imports, will feature Blais, Mendelsohn and Viviani, as well as live music and a live mixology competition to crown the IWSB Star of the Bar.
Proceeds from Restaurants Rock will support the NRAEF's ProStart program – a nationwide, two-year program that helps develop the brightest talent into tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice leaders.
"NRAEF programs like ProStart are developing a stronger workforce and building the next generation of restaurant and foodservice industry leaders," said Lynette McKee, executive director of the NRAEF. "As the industry convenes in Chicago to celebrate food, drink and hospitality, we're excited that Richard, Spike and Fabio are joining with us at Restaurants Rock to raise funds needed to put rising ProStart stars on the path to success."
Restaurants Rock runs from 9 p.m. to midnight, and entry is limited. Registered NRA Show attendees may purchase tickets for $50 each and are limited to first-come, first-served. IWSB registrants may purchase tickets for $25. After March 30, tickets increase to $60 for NRA Show attendees and $35 for IWSB attendees.
Blais, Mendelsohn and Viviani will also be conducting demos in the World Culinary Showcase on the NRA Show floor.
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