Foodies Reunion will honor 6 persevering restaurateurs

Six of the Valley's best-known restaurateurs will be honored by 200 of their peers at the fifth annual Phoenix Foodies Reunion on Monday.

Media personality Pat McMahon of KTAR radio and KAZ-TV will emcee; Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross will present special proclamations to the honorees, who are:

• Vincent Guerithault, chef-owner of Vincent on Camelback, Phoenix.

• Deirdre Pain, owner of Malee's on Main in Scottsdale and Malee's Desert Ridge in northeast Phoenix.

• Richard & Cindy Huie, owners of the Salt Cellar in Scottsdale.

• Bud & Doris Travers, owners of Ernie's Inn in Scottsdale.

• Razz Kamnitzer, chef-owner of Razz's Restaurant in Scottsdale.

• Lenny Rosenberg, owner of Zen 32 and Delux Burger in Phoenix.

"This has become an amazing tribute," said Greg Elias, president of Eli's and founder of the reunion with his wife, Paula. "Ours is a tough business. It's important to recognize and support those who continue to inspire us with their creativity and hard work."

The celebration of industry leaders who have persevered in the food/beverage business in the Valley for more than 20 years is from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Eli's American Grille, 7000 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. It is open to the public at no charge.

The reunion will have a no-host bar, with complimentary appetizers and desserts provided by Eli's.

RSVPS are required; those wishing to attend should call Paula at 602-570-9401 of e-mail paulaelias@cox.net.