PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING
December 2008
Editor: Deborah Krajcik

PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING
THE NEWSLETTER FOR AND ABOUT
THE MEMBERS OF THE ROUNDTABLE OF FOOD PROFESSIONALS-NYC

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ARCHIVAL MATERIAL OF THE ROUNDTABLE FOR WOMEN IN FOODSERVICE
TO GO TO NYU’S FALES LIBRARY
Papers Reflect a Pivotal Twenty Years of Women Searching for Success
By Judith Korey Charles

When, in 2001, the Roundtable for Women in Foodservice disbanded as a national organization, the New York-Metro Chapter was flourishing as a vibrant organization. Its board decided to reconstitute itself as the Roundtable of Food Professionals-NYC, but continued to keep in storage such items as calendars of events, program announcements, newsletters, press releases, membership directories and other material dating from 1981. These archives have been accepted by New York University’s prestigious Fales Library for inclusion in its Food and Cookery Collection. Formal presentation of the archives will be made early in 2009.

The original mission of RWF was to give visibility to women in the food industry. A measure of the success of that national organization can be seen in the New York-Metro Chapter’s calendars. In the early days, programs focused on such tools for entry-level entrepreneurs as the need for a business plan, carrying liability insurance, how to reach out for customers, where to find vendors of required ingredients and equipment, getting legal advice.

However, the second decade found the Metro Chapter offering its members, now successfully scaling the ladder, more general topics to mull over, “Forecasting Food and Business Trends”, “Delicious Food that’s Healthy”, “Food and Wine Pairing”, signaling the success of the Roundtable’s mission: the acceptance of women as a major force in our industry.

Now RFP picks up the mantle and, with a nod to the foundation laid by RWF, opens its ranks to men as well as women.

If you are in contact with any of the former members of RWF please pass on the invitation to attend the Feb 10th Celebration.

EIGHTY-ONE, ED BROWN’S SOPHISTICATED CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN CUISINE,
THE SCENE OF RFP’S OCTOBER 23 DINNER
By Judith Korey Charles

Having wowed the New York food world with his culinary legerdemain at the renowned Sea Grill in Rockefeller Center, Ed Brown has transported his spot-on kitchen skills and unbounded imagination to the Upper West Side. The result is Eighty-One [on West 81st Street, of course], a richly appointed space in the Excelsior Hotel. The Chef-Owner’s provocative modern American menu spotlights locally grown ingredients personally market-selected daily. On October 23rd, Roundtable members gathered amid super-luxe crimson draperies and under the soft glow of well-calibrated lighting to sample Eighty-One’s most famous dishes and to "dish" about what’s happening in the restaurant industry. `
While feasting on such offerings as Lentil Cream Soup; Fluke Crudo brought into port that morning at Montauk on Long Island; Black Angus Filet Mignon, Union Square Market Risotto, Warm Cortland Apple with Cider Caramel or Candied Pumpkin Custard, among other tempting selections, guests kept lively discussions zipping around the table. Under the deft guidance of program organizer Cindy Farkas Glanzrock, Retail Restaurant Consultant and Commercial Real Estate Broker, personal reminiscences illuminated the choices those in the restaurant business must make.

Marianne Parker, in the Sales Division of Brunschwig & Fils, a company providing textiles and furniture to the hospitality industry, noted the importance of décor in creating a successful restaurant and pointed to Eighty-One's lush wall treatment. Rosemary Littman, noted for the artistry of her custom-designed cakes, applauded the restaurant’s unusual touches as a feast for the eyes. Caterer Kathy Carlson, baker Nick DiSpirito and Gary Occhiogrosso, CEO of the Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille chain, all bemoaned the current high cost if doing business while discovering that , along with Rosemary, they had all lived, at one time, in New Jersey. Their comparing of childhood experiences was picked up around the table until Kathrine Gregory, RFP President, shared remembrances of picking pears and chestnuts on her family’s upstate farm, noting that these trees had never been sprayed, yet yielded superlative fruit. This comment, in turn, triggered a conversation on the importance of using local ingredients and brought up an animated discussion of what constitutes an "heirloom" product.

Such free-for-all exchanges have become the hallmark of these Dinner Roundtables. Those who attend acquire valuable knowledge about the food industry … and about each other.

For those who wish to know more about restaurant operations, three articles that appeared in the February, 2007 issue of Restaurant Owner are recommended. They are "The Road to Recovery: A Three-Step Process to Prevent Losing a Guest After a Bad Meal", by Wendy Gillett; "A New Look: How to Determine If Your Restaurant Needs a Makeover and Where You should Start", by Phyllis Ann Marshall; and "How to Build Customer Buzz on Your Startup", by Patricia Luebke

They can be found by accessing the publication’s website, http://www.restaurantowner.com.

NYWA STAR BREAKFAST
DECEMBER 9TH 2008
By Meg LaBarbara

I had the privilege of attending this inspiring event for the second consecutive year. I will anxiously await the coming of next year's gala. The Roundtable of Food Professionals offers its members a seat at one of the most insightful and star-studded celebrations of women in business. Hearing the success stories of women, some of whom came from nothing, makes us all sit up and take stock of the lives we are leading.

This bright and early Tuesday morning of December 9, 2008 was extra special. It was a memoriam to NYWA founder Elinor Guggenheimer as well as a celebration of the lifetime achievements of Barbara Walters. It was co-emceed by the delightful Roz Abrams, journalist, and Emme Aronson, author and model. Elinor passed away this past October, but has left us with so much. Mayor Michael Bloomberg paid tribute by telling stories of Elinor's generosity, compassion and commitment to women--to all New Yorkers, in fact. She mentored and improved the lives of so many. Muriel Siebert paid homage to Elinor with a warm and fitting display of affection and sentiment. She even tried singing! Other NYWA members spoke of the many contributions made by Elinor over the course of her years of public service and community involvement. We learned that Elinor was the first woman on the New York City's Planning Commission on Economics. What an achievement! Elinor will be missed, but always remembered with respect and love by everyone whose lives were enriched through her actions and words.

Then it came time to honor Barbara Walters with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Barbara has worn so many hats over the years, including journalist, news correspondent, co-anchor, current executive producer, creator and co-host of the View. The award was presented by Barbara's colleague and friend, Deborah Roberts. Roberts remembers the best piece of advice given to her by Barbara: "Be you".

Barbara Walters accepted her award and had many anecdotes to share from her years in the field. Her favorite quote was from an interview with Henry Kissinger. He said "I love it when I bore people and they think it’s their fault". She was witty and charming. Barbara truly appreciates the people she has met and the plethora of knowledge she has gleaned from speaking with them during interviews which she conducted on a broad range of subjects all over the world. She stated emphatically that the most important interview of her entire career has to be the one she had with president-elect, Barrack Obama just recently. She quoted him as saying "friends sustain you" and agreed wholeheartedly with that comment.

Emme Aronson, the world famous model, author and television personality spoke of NWYA by stating that the "coalition of this organization helps us look back in pride on the lives we lead".

First Lady Michelle Patterson, wife of Governor David Patterson, told us that New York City is the second largest state in our country, boasting 500,000 businesses owned by women. First Lady Patterson is a major community activist and children's advocate. Currently she is working on a state-wide initiative to promote healthy living through diet and exercise in the school system, state agencies and community organizations.

Each year NYWA honors someone for a lifetime of achievements and also focuses on rising stars, from various areas of professionalism. Consuelo Ruybal and Oraia Reid, cofounders of Right Rides for Women's Safety were nominated as two of the many rising stars. They spoke about their mission to help women in the city of New York. The concept came about in 2004 after a series of attacks on women. They decided to become proactive. Thus they engaged a group of volunteers to pick women up from their jobs that work late into the night (on weekends) and drive them home. Through generous donations of time and capital they now cover 45 neighborhoods in 4 boroughs. They have 140 driving teams and are looking for more. Zip Car is an amazing affiliate and supporter.

Another honoree was Dr. Jane Tuvia of Madison Avenue Women's Imaging. I was inspired when she said that her office is literally wallpapered with letters of thanks written by women over the many years Dr. Tuvia has served them. Her mother was a survivor of Auschwitz and still practices medicine part-time at the young age of 82. She spoke lovingly of the values installed in her which were strength, courage and perseverance. Dr. Tuvia uses these attributes daily as she deals with women in the most unsettling of circumstances. She uses compassion and is not afraid to show emotion, thus guiding women through procedures and dealing with the outcome, no matter what.

Roundtable is a member organization and as such, we nominated one of our own to receive the 2008 Star Galaxy Award: Cindy Farkas Glanzrock. We can thank Cindy for arranging a few of our restaurant outings this previous year. This year was far from disappointing. My most memorable moment was meeting Ed Brown at his new stellar restaurant 81. He was a gracious host and the food was divine.

Thank you to all the women who make this world a better place. Next year, I hope to see you all sitting proudly at the table(s) in the ballroom at the Hilton. You certainly won't be sorry.

NYWA PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION
OCTOBER 7TH 2008
By Judith Korey Charles

It was a beautiful affair and I had a great time! The 45th Floor Penthouse with its view of the Manhattan skyline was softly lit by hundreds of small candles and was a very elegant setting. When, during the formal part of the program, I was called upon to identify myself and my organization, I had a chance to speak of the Roundtable's history of fostering the corporate careers and business successes of countless women in the food industry. I think my message will be remembered because I further announced that when, a few years ago, at the age of 80, I was beginning to feel like a woman of the distant past, I got a boost of renewed energy when NYWA honored me by naming me a Woman of the Future. The whole gathering erupted into much laughter and wild applause. I came home with quite a glow, and not from the wine.

FAIR PAY; THE TIME IS NOW
NOVEMBER 9TH 2008
By Kathrine Gregory

It has been nearly four decades since President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, making it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women who hold the same job and perform the same work. Yet women in the U.S. still earn an average of 78 cents fro every dollar earned by men.
The above statement shocked me and disturbed me. Maybe because I have worked for independent restaurants and companies where there was only one person who did one type of job…maybe the Food Industry is better at following the law…I am not sure.
There are several laws waiting to be passed in the City, State and federal levels, which also surprised me. I would not have thought it necessary.
The stories I heard that morning, and the people I met and heard from opened my eyes to another world. I was privileged to meet and listen to Lilly Ledbetter, a soft-spoken; fair-haired Southern woman who took on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company over the inequity in her paycheck. "Even when it’s right, it’s hard to fight". Needless to say Lilly lost her job when she complained and with strength and determination she has taken her case to the Supreme Court. We are now awaiting passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which affects the rights involved in suing the offending company. It was a morning filled with powerful words and eye opening information.

For more information and to join in on the fight please join the Pay Equity Coalition-NYC
http://www.nywa.org/call_to_action.html

UPDATE: Thursday Jan 22nd by a 61-36 margin the US Senate passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act!
UPDATE: The first piece of legislation signed by President Obama. It Became law on Jan 29th 2009.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

In late October, ROSEMARY LITTMAN gave a lecture/demonstration for the members of the New Jersey based Confectionary Arts Guild. For nearly twenty years Rosemary has been using Sculpy polymer clay as an accessory to her artistic cake creations. This non-toxic clay, which comes in many colors, can be modeled into a desired shape, baked for 15 minutes at a low temperature and when cooled, create a ceramic-like mold or sculpture. Rosemary discussed gilding and bronzing the clay and model making as well as creating textures for sugar clay. She has used the clay for
personalized cake toppers for brides and grooms, candleholders for bar and bat mitzvahs, animals,
flowers, trophies and more for special occasion theme cakes. Everyone attending the lecture/demo was given a seashell and a fresh block of Sculpy with which to experiment.

ED HOFFMAN is making a marketing presentation in Sun Valley, Idaho in January.

CINDY FARKAS GLANZROCK was recently recognized for the "Galaxy Award" by NYWA (the New York Woman's Agenda) for her work with the (RFP) Roundtable of Food Professionals. She opened new vistas for RFP as members dined at the Waldorf=Astoria and other notable venues. She was instrumental in getting the RFP website built, redefining RFP and bringing it more up to date. She said there are a lot of great people in the food profession. Each offers something unique, new and invites all to share their talents.

CELESTE GOVERNANTI, owner of Made with Love, is announcing the baking class schedule for January 2009. All classes will be taught by her. Classes are structured so that each student receives hands on experience in an intimate setting. Classes are held in the private kitchen behind the café. Class size is limited to 8 people. If you are interested in attending or learning more http://www.madewithloveorganics.com/#15827

DEB KRAJCIK says "Everyone has a Favorite recipe that just makes the occasion, whether it is latkes, pierogi or Grandma's cookies, all baked with Love. I'd like to share one of my family favorites from my Czechoslovak grandmother."

"Walnut Crescents"
CREAM the following
1/2 lb of Sweet Butter
5 tbs. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tbs. water
SIFT in 2 Cups Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
ADD 2 cups chopped Nuts (either Walnut or Pecan**)
REFRIGERATE for 1 hour
Form into balls, then into Crescents
BAKE at 325 for 10 minutes
Let cool
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!
**10 oz of Walnuts in the shell yields 2 1/4 cups crushed

ROUNDTABLE DELIVERS:
A CHRISTMAS TALE

The Roundtable of Food Professionals proved to be an effective networking tool for member Judith Korey Charles, this past holiday season. Faced with twelve guests expected for her traditional Christmas dinner and finding herself inundated with a sudden spate of work as a public relations consultant, she trolled the RFP Directory and the name of old friend Pamela Brown came up. Her acclaimed catering business Brown Sugar's Delights turned despair into a Yuletide triumph. A few e-mail exchanges and Pamela took over. She arrived promptly at the appointed hour bearing assorted platters of piping-hot dishes, including a ravishing Honey-glazed Ham, spectacular Coconut Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce, heavenly Herb-roasted Potatoes and ambrosial Asparagus with Wild Mushrooms. A tray of sumptuous Cookies and Brownies was the elegant finishing touch. And, thanks to the Roundtable, Judith's reputation as a hostess was not only saved but greatly enhanced.
A story of how the RFP Directory is helpful, but the personal relationships fostered by attending events are the more important.

Looking Back and Looking Forward…

In 2008 we accomplished the following things:
-a website created just for the NYC Chapter
-quarterly Newsletters
-the start of the fabulous Dinner Roundtable concept
-the 2008-2009 Directory in print
-the Directory sent electronically to all the members, which will be updated quarterly
-Five new members joined
-the ability to accept credit cards for payment of event fees and even membership
-the RWF archives accepted by Fales Library

For 2009 we have the following projects:
-refining the website
-"Ask The Industry Expert" this will be a selection of short articles written by you, our members, capitalizing on your expertise with some practical information.
-six newsletters a year
-a meeting/event every month
-more new members and we have our first new member of 2009. Welcome Debbie Sadowsky of Nanny’s Cookies.

With your assistance we will grow.
To a glorious 2009

Kathrine Gregory