Anthony Lagasi Medal of Excellence Recipients

The Anthony Lagasi Medal of Excellence is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Chefs de Cuisine Association of America, Inc., recognizing exceptional achievement, leadership and enduring contributions to the culinary profession.

Named in honor of Anthony Lagasi, the Association’s longest-serving president (1956–1971), the award reflects his legacy of unwavering dedication, high standards, and transformative impact. During his tenure, Lagasi led the Association through a period of remarkable growth marked by expanding membership, establishing scholarship programs, strengthening financial stability and elevating the organization’s role within both the culinary industry and the broader community.

The Medal of Excellence is awarded to individuals who embody these same values: a commitment to excellence, a passion for mentorship and a lasting influence on the profession. Recipients are leaders who not only achieve distinction in their own careers, but also advance the culinary field and support the next generation of chefs.

More than an award, the Anthony Lagasi Medal of Excellence stands as a symbol of integrity, leadership and the enduring spirit of the culinary profession.

1990s
Hermann Rush (1997)
Fritz Sonnenschmidt (1998)
Joseph Melz (1999)

2000s
Matthew Ryan (2000)
Carlo Di Gaudenzi (2001)
Gerardo Campitiello (2002)
Joseph Tarantino (2003)
Biagio Settepani (2004)
Carmine Granata (2005)
Gerald Berger (2006)
Francoise Ricaud (2007)
Giovanni Lanzarotti (2008)
Lutz Lewerenz (2009)

2010s
Pietro Mosconi (2010)
Massimo Ferrari (2011)
Arlindo Fernandez (2012)
Jean-Jacques Rachou (2013)