DiRoNA honors its finest at annual awards conference - News - Brief Article

SEATTLE -- More than 500 members of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America gathered here for the group's 2002 Awards Conference earlier this fall.

Alice and Chris Canlis of Canlis in Seattle and Rick Powers of Beverly's restaurant in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, hosted the four-day event, which included a Seattle dinearound, a tour of Chateau Ste. Michele Winery, a boat cruise and a gala banquet at the Paramount theater.

DiRoNA members also recognized 32 new inductees into the fine-dining group. At the same time, the DiRoNA Hall of Fame inducted new members, including Laura Maioglio of Barbetta in New York; Robert Balzer, former food and beverage editor of Travel Holiday magazine; Christianne Ricchi of Ristorante i Ricchi in Washington, D.C.; and Victor Rosellini of Rosellini Four-10 in Seattle. In addition, Michael and Ariane Batterberry, founders of Food Arts magazine, were inducted into the Honorary Hall of Fame.

The Ella Brennan Distinguished Dining Ambassador Award was presented to Thierry Rautureau of Rover's in Madison Valley, Wash., while the "Extra Plate" Humanitarian Award went to Chris and Alice Canlis.

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