Best food in the US and other immigrant contributions recognized by Vilcek Foundation

 

"The best food in the US is from somewhere else," says CNN in its write up of a cook book about dishes popularized by immigrant chef. "A Place at the Table: New American Recipes from the Nation's Top Foreign-Born Chefs," celebrates immigrant chefs in cities across the nation and documents the two-way evolution of cuisine as local ingredients are incorporated and as the dishes find their place in the American appetite. The author GABRIELLE LANGHOLTZ is the Director of Culinary Projects at the Vilcek Foundation which aims to raise awareness of immigrant contributions in America.

 

A former Vilcek winner Marcus Samuelsson, owner of Harlem's Red Rooster and a staunch advocate for immigrant opportunity in food, won the $100,000 cash award in 2019. He said to CNN, "Unless you're Native American, you're an immigrant. Our journeys are different, but we share big dreams. The key is to remember that. Eating each other's foods, listening to each other's music, hearing each other's stories, act as a constant reminder." His website features recipes, restaurants, and ways to support the hospitality industry during the economic turmoil unleashed by the global pandemic.

 

The Foundation's Creative Promise Awards, which come with a $50,000 purse, in 2019 were awarded to the New York Times California food critic Tejal Rao and chefs Fabián von Hauske Valtierra and Cambodian restauranteur  and refugee Nite Yun.

 

The Vilcek Foundation aims to raise awareness and appreciation of immigrant contributions in America in the arts and sciences. The premise of the Vilcek Foundation is that "The arts and sciences need diversity to thrive. Diversity sparks dialogue. Diversity propels innovation. Diversity refines ideas. Immigrants from around the world bring the diverse perspectives that are crucial to strengthening America’s cultural and scientific community." Their prizes reward immigrant artists and scientists achievement and creative promise at early and later stages of their careers. Their grants support the programs and initiatives of other organizations that complement their mission. Their art collection connects the foundation with cultural institutions around the world, facilitating academic and artistic dialogue.

 

A 2021 award for public service was awarded to Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate. Other 2021 awardees contribute to biomedical science and film.

 

MHC