FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cara Clinton, Sumner Rider & Associates
Telephone: (212) 297-2109

Honors Renowned Restauranteur, Drew Nieporent at Annual Fine-Dining Celebration
North America's top culinary experts to attend September event in Las Vegas

New York (July 25, 2005) – The Distinguished Restaurants of North America () will proudly honor one of America’s most accomplished fine-dining restaurateurs, Drew Nieporent, during its 15 th Annual Grand Awards Gala at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, NV. Nieporent, president of Myriad Restaurant Group, will receive ’s Hall of Fame Award at the gala on Wednesday, September 7, 2005. The annual event is held to formally induct ’s new Award-winning restaurants, and will conclude the organization’s four-day Annual Awards and Educational Conference. ’s Hall of Fame was established in 1993 with the induction of 14 members. Candidates qualify by having given at least 25 years of dedicated service and significant contribution to the distinguished dining industry as Award-winning restaurateurs.

Drew Nieporent has created some of the finest restaurants,including: Montrachet, Tribeca Grill, Pulse and Nobu in New York City; Nobu London; Rubicon in San Francisco; Lucca in Boca Raton, FL; and The Coach House in Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Myriad remains the only restaurant group to be awarded three coveted Grand Awards from Wine Spectator magazine for Rubicon, Montrachet and Tribeca Grill and is also the only restaurant group with a prized Michelin Star, for Nobu London.

Nieporent’s personal honors include the James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Award (2000), ’s Humanitarian Award (2000), and Restaurateur of the Year by Bon Appétit magazine (2000). He is Director of the American Institute of Wine, serves on the Board of Directors of Citymeals on Wheels and is an Honorary Chair on the City Harvest Food Council.

“ ’s Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who contribute to overall excellence in the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said Larry Work, Chairman of and President of Sam & Harry’s Management Company, which owns and operates two Award-winning restaurants — Sam & Harry’s and The Caucus Room — in Washington, DC. “Drew certainly fits that description, and we will gladly recognize his achievements at this year’s Annual Awards Conference.”

’s Annual Awards & Educational Conference 2005 will also feature a Welcome Luncheon with guest speaker Oscar Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas and educational seminars moderated by such industry icons as Jim Doherty, Vice President of Lebhar-Friedman, (publisher of Nation’s Restaurant News) and Evan Goldstein, Vice President of Public Relations and Education for Allied Domecq Wines USA.

For further information about ’s industry awards and conference updates, visit ’s Web site at www.dirona.com, or contact Lisa Rand, Executive Director at (212) 297-2114.

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