Rapoport's Restaurant Group Invited to Host Prestigious James Beard Dinner in New York May 22

Group chefs to prepare multi-course "Fresh From Florida" meal at historic James Beard House. End Quote

Fort Lauderdale, FL (1888PressRelease) February 19, 2014 - Award winning Rapoport's Restaurant Group is pleased to announce that the legendary James Beard Foundation has invited the group's executive chefs and President Burt Rapoport to prepare a special dinner at the James Beard House in New York on May 22. Themed "Fresh From Florida," the multi-course tasting menu will be inspired by Florida cuisine and incorporate ingredients grown in the Sunshine State.

"This is a tremendous honor for Rapoport's Restaurant Group and will surely be a career milestone for our team," says President Burt Rapoport. "We are especially excited to bring authentic Florida flavor to this legendary New York venue."

This will be Burt Rapoport's second visit to the renowned James Beard House. Rapoport, then a partner in Unique Restaurant Concepts, was invited with the group to prepare a special dinner in 1997. Now, as president of Rapoport's Restaurant Group, Burt Rapoport has accepted this prestigious invitation once again. Rapoport's participating chefs will include Jon Greening, executive chef of Deck 84 in Delray Beach; Jay Prisco, executive chef of Bogart's Bar & Grille in Boca Raton; Ben Burger, executive chef of Henry's in Delray Beach; and David Innes, Rapoport's Restaurant Group pastry chef.

Located in the West Village, the James Beard House invites guest chefs from around the world to prepare elaborate dinners, either focusing on their signature cuisine or a specific theme, complemented by wine pairings. Guests are invited to meet the night's chefs and observe them at work. Dinner is followed by a question-and-answer session.

The planned menu includes Tuna Sashimi Taco, Compressed Florida Watermelon, Snapper Ceviche, Black Grouper Paella, Roasted Jackman Florida Wagyu Beef Tenderloin and more. The featured cocktail is a Mango Mojito, and dessert is a Florida Citrus Mousse Trio.

The menu was inspired by the Fresh From Florida On the Menu program, which Rapoport's Restaurant Group recently introduced at all of its locations. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched the initiative as a way for diners to know they are enjoying produce and seafood from the Sunshine State while dining out in Florida restaurants. Fresh From Florida logos are featured alongside select dishes on menus at Henry's, Bogart's Bar & Grille, Deck 84 and Burt & Max's.

The Rapoport's Restaurant Group locations are the first to feature the Fresh From Florida logos, indicating that a dish contains at least two or more ingredients grown in state. The Fresh From Florida program provides added exposure for select menu items and connects consumers, restaurateurs and Florida growers.

The James Beard Foundation is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City. Its mission is to celebrate, nurture and honor America's diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. For more information on the organization and the Fresh From Florida dinner, visit www.jamesbeard.org.

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