#USA #New York #Mario Carbone #Culinary Institute of America #CIA Leadership Awards

Celebrating the Luminaries of Gastronomy

On May 4, 2026, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) will host its much-anticipated 19th Annual Leadership Awards at New York's Ziegfeld Ballroom. This event commemorates the extraordinary achievements of five preeminent figures in the realms of food, beverage, and hospitality: Mario Carbone, Kwame Onwuachi, Amy Racine, “Chef Pam” Pichaya Soontornyanakij, and Rich Torrisi. Each recipient of the prestigious Augie™ Award symbolizes excellence, creativity, and professionalism in gastronomy, drawing inspiration from French culinary pioneer Auguste Escoffier.

The individuals honored this year have proven to be outstanding innovators in the culinary landscape. Mario Carbone, a CIA alumnus from the class of 2000, has co-founded Major Food Group, a culinary empire known for its celebrated restaurants and exclusive hospitality venues. Kwame Onwuachi, a 2013 graduate of the CIA, has earned acclaim as a James Beard Award-winning chef and was recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as the most important chef in America for 2025.

Another honoree, Amy Racine, who graduated in 2010, is currently the beverage director and partner at JF Restaurants. Her expertise has garnered her the title of Beverage Director of the Year from renowned publications like Esquire and Wine Spectator. Chef Pam, a notable figure in the culinary world, was crowned the World’s Best Female Chef in 2025 after being named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2024. Last but not least, Rich Torrisi, who also graduated in 2001, has been a key player in the development and expansion of Major Food Group alongside Carbone.

The gala event will witness the presence of over 500 distinguished leaders from the hospitality sector, including celebrity chefs and industry luminaries. Notably, CIA alumnus Spike Mendelsohn, a member of the CIA Executive Board, will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. This gathering not only celebrates the achievements of individual honorees but also looks forward to the opportunities for collaboration and innovation that the industry presents.

In addition to recognizing professional excellence, the event aims to contribute positively to the CIA community. Proceeds from the gala will fund scholarships for CIA students, a critical support structure for more than 90% of enrollees who depend on financial assistance to realize their culinary dreams. The CIA stands as the premier culinary institution globally, known for cultivating talent and enhancing the industry with its programs rooted in culinary arts, hospitality, and beyond.

“Each of these extraordinary individuals reflects the values that our institution stands for,” remarked CIA President Michiel Bakker. “Their incredible dedication and contributions to the culinary arts inspire the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals.”

The CIA Leadership Awards, launched in 2007, have since celebrated numerous industry figures who exemplify the highest standards and have made significant impacts in their fields. This year's event sees the generous backing from major sponsors including PepsiCo, 400 Capital Management, and Ecolab, among others. For more details about the honorees, ticket purchasing, and sponsorship packages, please visit the official CIA website at www.ciachef.edu/awards.

Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America has dedicated itself to shaping the future of the food and hospitality industries. With programs that range from associate degrees in culinary arts to master's degrees in sustainable food systems, the CIA remains a beacon of culinary excellence, boasting a global network of nearly 60,000 graduates.

As we look forward to celebrating these culinary trailblazers on May 4, we invite fellow enthusiasts and industry professionals to come together and honor those who continuously redefine the standards of gastronomy, ensuring that the art of food and hospitality flourishes for generations to come.