Santa Monica, CA, July 20,  2006 -- To acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and to support CRA's Educational Foundation, Chef Davide Vedovelli has provided a recipe for Ossobuco alla Milanese (Veal Shanks with Saffron Risotto) to be included in a special cookbook entitled "Chefs' Specials of California: Signature Dishes and Favorite Recipes from Celebrated Chefs and Restaurants."  The cookbook will be available for a cost of $19.95 at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo taking place from Saturday, August 26 through Monday, August 28, 2006 and at the LA Wine and Food Festival taking place Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27.  Both events are taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  The cookbook will also be available for purchase online at www.chefsspecialscookbook.com.

 "We are thrilled that Chef Davide Vedovelli has joined over 50 distinguished chefs from the greater Los Angeles area for inclusion in this cookbook," said Ron Mathews, Event Director for Reed Exhibitions, producers of both events. "What a wonderful way for the industry to support a venture that will honor an important industry association that does so much for restaurants throughout California."  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will help support the scholarship program of the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) which works to promote the hospitality industry throughout California and supports its educational system in order to train and mentor the next generation of foodservice and hospitality professionals.

In addition to Chef Davide Vedovelli's recipe, the cookbook includes such creative recipes as Ahi Tuna "Marmitako," Chinese Five Spice Apple Phyllo Rolls with Buttered Walnut Ice Cream,  Lobster "Mojito,"  Alligator Filè Gumbo, Boneless Rack Of Colorado Lamb, Goat Cheese Gratin, Spiced Pepper Jam, Smoked Tomato-Rosemary Glacé, and Double Chocolate Kahlua Ravioli, just to name a few.

 "The prestigious chefs who have contributed recipes for this cookbook run the gamut from preparing world class sushi to steaks and from desserts to organic meals and represent the finest cooking establishments in the region.  We are grateful for their support, and encourage all of our attendees to purchase this cookbook," added Mathews.

 ABOUT THE EVENTS

The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from Saturday, August 26 through Monday, August 28, 2006.  The Expo is produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions, and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association (CRA).  For more information call 800-840-5612 or visit the official Show website at www.westernfoodexpo.com.  The Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival will take place Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 also at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is being co-produced by Reed Exhibitions, with World of Wine Events and the Monterey Wine Festival.   The event will be open to the general public for a nominal fee of $65 per day.   Industry trade professionals attending the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo are also invited to attend for a small fee of $10.00 per day. For more information about the Festival and to purchase tickets, please visit www.lawineandfoodfest.com.