[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO JEFF HENDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Henderson for 
his extraordinary accomplishments in the culinary field and for his 
success with his new book.
  Jeff Henderson's life is an inspirational story of overcoming great 
odds and achieving one's dreams. Growing up in South Central Los 
Angeles and San Diego, Jeff had a run in with the law where he served 
almost a decade in federal prison. He did not discover his passion for 
cooking until doing kitchen duty. Jeff began his new found passion as a 
dishwasher and worked his way to the top as a Chef for restaurants such 
as L'Escale and the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina Del 
Rey, California. He later became the Sous-Chef at the Hotel Bel-Air and 
at L'Ermitage Hotel.
  In 2000, Jeff made history as the first African American to be named 
Chef de Cuisine at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The American Food 
and Wine Tasting Federation honored him in 2001 as the ``Las Vegas Chef 
of the Year''. Black Enterprise magazine has also honored him as one of 
the top African-American chefs. While he is currently employed at Cafe 
Bellagio as Executive Chef, he also serves as a public speaker and 
motivator to provide inspiration for troubled youths.
  Jeff's greatest accomplishment has come from his book entitled, 
``Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, From Cocaine to Foie Gras''. 
Since its March 2007 release, his book is now a New York Times Best 
Seller after just three weeks. His story has gained national attention 
with appearances on the Today Show and Oprah. There are even talks to 
star in his own reality show and to produce his life story in a motion 
picture starring Will Smith.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the hard work and accomplishments 
of Chef Jeff Henderson. He has set a fine example for everyone to 
achieve their dreams with dedication. I wish him luck in all his future 
endeavors.

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