A Huge Slice of Gratitude For Tom Larsen

Continued

Tom gratefully accepted this award on February 3, 2000 at the Friends of Spinazzola Grand Benefit Dinner. The award was presented by Chris Spinazzola, the Executive Director of the Foundation. Chris saluted Tom as a strong contributor and trusted founder of the original committee for the Foundation. Most of you know that Anthony Spinazzola was a highly regarded food and wine critic for The Boston Globe. Although he made his living critiquing their product, he was a great friend and loved by many in the industry. All that knew him know that he was committed to the pursuit of perfection in all aspects of food and wine.

A review by Anthony Spinazzola put you on the map. The Pillar House was reviewed by Anthony in 1973 (see Anthony's review) and as Tom says, "the rest is history." What many of you may not know is that when Anthony died in 1985, friends from the hotel and restaurant industry immediately began planning a way to keep his memory and objectives alive. The first planning meeting of the Founding Committee (Anthony Athanas, Roger Berkowitz, Stephen Elmont, Sidney Goldman, Morris Gordon, William Heck, Linda Hunt, Tom Kershaw, Tom Larsen, C. Paul Luong, Moncef Meddeb, Burton Miller, Ray Murgia, Jean-Jacques Paimblanc, and Dorothy Spinazzola) was held at the Pillar House. Chris credits Tom's devotion as "critical to the growth of the foundation. Tom was instrumental in pushing the focus in the right direction and stopping it from going in the wrong direction. Tom is very pleased with the award. However, his greater satisfaction comes from knowing that what started as a tribute to his beloved friend has grown into one of the most successful foundations of its kind. Through yearlong fundraising activities, the Foundation provides funds for hunger relief, culinary scholarships, apprenticeship programs for deserving students, and a multitude of benefits for organizations that feed hungry bodies and minds."

So the next time you are at the Pillar House, take a look in the kitchen and see one of Tom Larsen's most prized possessions. Don't be shy about asking to see it. Those of you who know Tom know that he is more than happy to share.

<< back