As part of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs' (WCR) national conference, seven women were honored for demonstrating excellence in the culinary and hospitality industries at the 11th Annual Women Who Inspire gala dinner on Nov. 7. The annual WCR Women Who Inspire Awards honor excellence in the kitchen, dining room, beverage profession, baking and pastry arts, community affairs, farming and food production and for a lifetime of culinary excellence.

The 2010 Women Who Inspire Award recipients are:
  • WCR Barbara Tropp President's Award for a lifetime of culinary excellence--Kathy Cary, chef/owner, Lilly’s-A Kentucky Bistro, Louisville
  • WCR Community Service Award for contributions to community affairs--Virginia Paca, owner, Virginia Paca Architecture & Landscape Design, Pasadena, Calif.
  • WCR Golden Bowl Award for excellence in baking and pastry arts--Sherry Yard, pastry chef, Spago, Beverly Hills, Calif.
  • WCR Golden Fork Award for excellence in the dining room--Patricia Koyich, owner, Il Sogno, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • WCR Golden Goblet Service Award for excellence in the beverage profession--Dee Ann Quinones, owner, Drinks With Dee, Los Angeles
  • WCR Golden Plow Award sponsored by Bon Appétit Management Co. for excellence in growing or producing--Alisa Barry, founder and chief creative, Bella Cucina Artful Food, Atlanta
  • WCR Golden Whisk Award for excellence in the kitchen--Liana Robberecht, executive chef, Calgary Petroleum Club, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
For more information, visit www.womenchefs.org.