[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E140-E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE EPICUREAN CLUB OF WASHINGTON, DC, INC. AND CHEF RICHARD 
                                 FISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor The Epicurean Club, 
which was originally an all-male group of Executive Chefs who had 
apprenticed in Europe or Stewards. The club's membership today is 
composed of men and women who are chefs, bakers and restaurant owners. 
I am delighted that The Epicurean Club will celebrate its 60th 
anniversary with a Dinner Dance on February 22, 1998. During that event 
Chef Richard Fisher, CEC will be honored for his skillful and untiring 
service as Chairman of the club's annual Christmas Party.
  Twenty-five years ago, when chefs were not very well-paid or 
recognized, this party was an important social event. The club borrowed 
a ballroom and solicited donations of food and wine. Spouses who rarely 
went out because their husbands were always at work put on their finest 
and the party was always a tremendous success. The party was evolved 
and today serves over 500 people and has become the only Christmas 
party for some of the area's neediest children. Last year, the club 
served 200 children from the DC Department of Human Services and The 
Orphan Foundation of America. Each child received a gift, a gingerbread 
house, extra food and a visit with Santa Claus.
  For over twenty-five years, Chef Fisher has worked in hotels and 
restaurants and was a representative for Knorr-Swiss in the 
Metropolitan area. He has been an active member of the club for over 
twenty years and is also a member of the National Capital Chefs 
Association. He has served as a judge at Culinary Salons and is 
regarded as a true food professional. He lives in Virginia with his 
wife Trudy and has been Chairman of the club's annual Christmas Party 
for twenty-five years.
  Chef Fisher's work on behalf of children of the District of Columbia 
reflects the caring spirit of many persons who reside outside our city. 
His efforts serve as a model and motivation for men and women in the 
metropolitan region who sincerely want to lessen the impact of poverty 
and hunger.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this body join me in congratulating The 
Epicurean Club of Washington, DC, Inc. on the occasion of their 60th 
Anniversary and in applauding Chef Fisher for his selfless service.

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