NEW YORK — George Lang, owner of New York's famed Cafe des Artistes restaurant, will receive the lifetime achievement award at the James Beard Foundation Awards in May.
"Mr. Lang has always exemplified and reinforced our belief in the American dream," Beard Foundation President Len Pickell said last week. "His colorful and inspirational rise to the top of our field is only one example of our industry's ability to embrace and provide opportunities for all nationalities and cultural backgrounds."
Hungarian-born Lang came to the United States in 1946. He worked in a wedding banquet hall and at The Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Later, he became a restaurant consultant. Lang brought Cafe des Artistes, which opened in 1917, back to popularity in 1975.
The James Beard Foundation honors chefs, cookbooks, regional restaurants and food writers at its annual awards ceremony, set for May 6 at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel. Lisa Ling of ABC's "The View" is the host.
Those nominated for the award as the nation's outstanding chef are Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu in New York, Lidia Mattichio Bastianich of Felidia Ristorante in New York, Gary Danko of Gary Danko in San Francisco, Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin in New York, and Tom Colicchio of Gramercy Tavern in New York.
The New York-based James Beard Foundation is dedicated to advancing the practice and appreciation of the culinary arts.