Nina S. Zagat, co-Founder and co-Chair of Zagat Survey, was honored last night as an Officier of the Légion d'honneur on behalf of the President of France by France’s Ambassador, Francois Delattre. This prestigious award is bestowed by the Government of France upon exceptional individuals who have made major contributions to France and to French culture.  It is unusual for the award to be presented to a non-French national.




Last night at the French Consulate, chefs representing five of the top French restaurants in New York City, including Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin), David Bouley (Bouley), Daniel Boulud (Daniel), Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park) and Jean-Georges Vongerichten represented by his brother, Philippe, and his Chef, Mark Lapico (Jean-Georges), prepared the reception.  Other restaurant industry professionals present included Maguy LeCoze (Le Bernardin), Charles Masson (La Grenouille), Patrick O’Connell (Inn at LIttle Washington) Andre Soltner (International Culinary Center) and Stanislas Vilgrain (Cuisine Solutions).

The award recognizes Nina’s personal and professional endeavors to promote French culture and gastronomy. Started in 1968 as a hobby in Paris, today Zagat covers many major world cities and reflects the global appreciation for French cuisine.