Fresno to present Mariscotti family with Lifetime Achievement Award

(SACRAMENTO, Feb.23, 2010) The Fresno chapter of the California Restaurant Association has named the Mariscotti family of Madera County recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The family accepts the award at the 2009 Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards at 5 p.m. March 1 at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno.

“Known for their generations of hard work, commitment to the community, giving spirit and leadership, we are very excited to recognize the Mariscotti family for all they have done to make our community a better place,” said John Pardini, Fresno chapter president.

Robert and Helen Mariscotti opened the Vineyard Restaurant and Bar in 1977. Located at highways 99 and 145, diners still enjoy American fare influenced by the Mariscotti’s Italian heritage and the bountiful food of Central California. The Vineyard has been featured as one of the top restaurants in Central California by numerous publications, such as Wine Spectator magazine, the American Automobile Association’s Via magazine, Fresno Magazine and the Northern California Golf Association’s NCGA Golf magazine.

Owning and operating a successful business wasn’t enough for the Mariscottis, who have been active in local philanthropy efforts with numerous organizations. The family hosted the Madera Christmas Basket program’s Giving Tree for the poor and received the Crystal Tower Award from the Madera Compact. Additionally, the Madera County Historical Society named Robert and Helen Mariscotti Old Timers’ Day King and Queen. Helen Mariscotti died last year at the age of 82. Today her son, Chris Mariscotti, carries on the family legacy in foodservice, running the family restaurant and co-founding a local chapter of Slow Food International, Slow Food Madera. The organization’s goal is to promote the uniqueness and quality of food and wine grown and made in Madera County while making valuable contributions to the social, cultural and economic life in the county.

Chris Mariscotti also is active with the Kampus Kettle program, mentoring students who are working toward careers in the foodservice industry, and has served as past chairman of the Madera Chamber of Commerce.

The 2009 Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards event is open to the public. Tickets cost $50. To register for the event, go online at www.calrest.org . For more information, contact Tom Ferdinandi at 559.432.0399, Ext. 202, or atf@milano-ri.com.