WASHINGTON, DC – July 24, 2017, Chef Walter Staib has been named the recipient of the Historic Hotels of America 2017 Historian of the Year Award. Chef Staib will be honored with this distinguished award on September 28, 2017 at the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala at The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) in Hot Springs, Virginia.
The Historic Hotels of America Historian of the Year Award is presented to an individual for making a unique contribution in the research and presentation of history and whose work has encouraged a wide discussion and greater understanding and enthusiasm for American History and historic hospitality.
Chef Walter Staib has been an enthusiastic champion of American History. As author, culinary historian, and acclaimed international chef, his work continues to increase the recognition and celebration of our country’s culinary heritage. Historic Hotels of America is pleased to recognize Chef Staib for his success as a culinary historian, his achievements and contributions to the exceptional culinary experience at numerous legendary historic hotels, and his inspiration as the enthusiastic founder and host of A Taste of History,©, seen nationwide on Public TV, RLTV, and AMAZON Prime Video. The acclaimed show, A Taste of History© has won 10 Emmy Awards and has been a creative way for Chef Staib to showcase 18th century cuisine. His passion and dedication has made a significant contribution bringing America’s history to life through the food and recipes the founders of America enjoyed. Historic Hotels of America recognizes Chef Staib’s extensive work as an exemplary culinary historian, his dedication to preserving and sharing recipes of America’s early cuisine, and the books he has authored: Recipes from the Birthplace of American Cuisine, A Sweet Taste of History, and City Tavern Cookbook. In addition to his contributions in history, Chef Staib has opened more than 650 restaurants worldwide, authored 6 cookbooks, is a James Beard-nominated chef, and is currently the driving force behind Philadelphia’s City Tavern, a recreation of the original 18th century tavern.
“Chef Walter Staib makes history interesting, fun, and tasty,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We are delighted to recognize Chef Staib for his dedication and contribution to preserving and sharing America’s stories about our nation’s founding fathers and their favorite recipes through his books and A Taste of History.”
“I may be best known for my work on television with A Taste of History or as a restauranteur at City Tavern, but hotels have been a very big part of my life starting from the very beginning,” said Chef Walter Staib. “As a young man in Germany, I began my tutelage at Hotel Post; a hotel that was built in 1773 and hosted notable names in history such as Napoleon Bonaparte. As my career grew, I was called upon to consult for hospitality projects around the world. I helped design new resorts, all of which I am truly proud, but my dearest memories come from my work with historic hotels, such as the Parker House in Boston or Omni Royal Orleans. When I travel today, I prefer lodging at historic hotels with warmth and a story to tell and that experience cannot be created; it takes true history.”
The 2017 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held at The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) in Hot Springs, Virginia on September 28, 2017 at 6 pm. Tickets for the 2017 Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner are $350 for one seat and $2,800 per table (for 8 seats). To register for the ceremony and gala, please contact Stephanie Calhoun [email protected] or +1 202 772 8336. To view the video from the Historic Hotels 2016 Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala, click here.
