Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 125 Years at the James Beard House

FYI: Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide

MONTVALE, NJ--Nov. 7, 2011: Mercedes-Benz USA is hosting one of its final occasions in 2011 to mark the 125 year anniversary of the invention of the automobile with a festive dinner prepared by James Beard Award winning chefs, John Besh of August, Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde, Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park and Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen.  

The chefs are showcasing their creative and exemplary culinary skills at an exclusive dinner at the James Beard House, pairing culinary innovation with automobile innovation. Each chef is preparing one course for this celebratory evening, served along with specialty libations from acclaimed mixologist and cocktail authority, Julie Reiner.   This invite-only event will take place on November 8, 2011.

Mercedes-Benz partners with the James Beard Foundation to support their mission of preserving and celebrating America's culinary heritage. Through distinctive style, visionary designs and a passion for innovation, the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star has recorded many historical milestones within the auto industry.  A significant list of patents range across a broad spectrum of creations, from the first gas powered car--the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen--to benchmark safety features like the first traction control technology, airbags, and safety cell with front and rear crumple zones.

"The 125 year celebratory dinner to commemorate the Benz Patent Motorwagen anniversary, in conjunction with these top chefs, underscores our deep respect for preserving heritage while also being a pioneer in shaping the future of mobility," said Stephen Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

Following the Beard House dinner and in keeping Mercedes-Benz commitment to the culinary arts, the company is also a contributing sponsor to the upcoming book tour of Chef Daniel Humm and General Manager Will Guidara's Eleven Madison Park: The Cookbook (Little, Brown and Company). Mercedes-Benz is supporting the duo as they travel to major cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco to promote the new book.  

Notes on Chefs

John Besh, most widely known for his acclaimed restaurant August, is a chef dedicated to the culinary riches of southern Louisiana. Besh is a James Beard Foundation award-winner for "Best Chef: Southeast" in 2006, and author of two cookbooks, My New Orleans (Andrews McMeel) and My Family Table (Andrews McMeel).

Karen DeMasco first garnered national attention as the pastry chef of Tom Colicchio's Craft, Craftbar and 'wichcraft restaurants, where she oversaw the pastry program from 2001 to 2008. In 2009 DeMasco joined Chef Andrew Carmellini to create breads, pastries and desserts for Locanda Verde. In that same year, DeMasco's acclaimed desserts were highlighted along with her baking secrets and techniques in her first cookbook, The Craft of Baking (Clarkson Potter). DeMasco was honored with the James Beard Award for "Outstanding Pastry Chef " in 2005.

Daniel Humm earned his first Michelin star at the age of 24 as the Executive Chef at Gasthaus zum Gupf in the Swiss Alps. Currently the Executive Chef of Eleven Madison Park, Humm received Four Stars from The New York Times in 2009 and multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation, including "Best Chef: NYC" in 2010 and "Outstanding Restaurant" in 2011.  

Dan Kluger, born and raised in New York City, spent the early years of his career working in a number of Danny Meyer's acclaimed restaurants and later moved on to work under Executive Chef Tom Colicchio. In 2010, Kluger opened Jean-Georges' ABC Kitchen and in 2011, received the James Beard Award for "Best New Restaurant," sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

Julie Reiner has been elevating cocktail culture in New York City for the last decade, most notably with the opening of Flatiron Lounge, Brooklyn's Clover Club and her latest venture, Lani Kai in Soho. Reiner's recipes have been featured in a number of publications including The New York Times, Food & Wine, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire, Playboy, Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetit, and GQ. Reiner has also been featured on The Food Network's "Iron Chef," Martha Stewart Radio, CNBC and the Fine Living Network.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.