Chef Angie K of Blue House Bistro in Holland Recognized by National Restaurant Association

Angie K Anderson, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Blue House Bistro in Holland, has been named a national finalist for the National Restaurant Association (NRA) 2011 American Dream Award, which honors individuals from a diverse background who, through hard work and determination, have realized the American dream.

The story of Anderson's rise through the restaurant and hospitality industry – from her humble beginning as a line cook in New Orleans to owning and running her own boutique restaurant in Holland, Michigan – caught the attention of the NRA award judges and continues to inspire the people Anderson interacts with daily.

“The restaurant industry is one of the most diverse industries in America, and prides itself on providing opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and cultures,” said National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney. “We are celebrating that by honoring these individuals and companies with our 2011 Faces of Diversity awards. It is a true pleasure to recognize their personal and professional achievements, which underscore how hard work and determination lead to success in our industry."

The award is one of two Faces of Diversity Awards, created by the NRA and PepsiCo Foodservice to recognize the restaurant industry's commitment to diversity and to celebrate individuals in the restaurant industry who are achieving the American dream.

Anderson began her craft in a small bar and grill as a line cook in New Orleans in 1997, quickly learning and growing more and more skilled in cooking as she worked in different restaurants within the city. Eventually, Anderson found herself in Holland where she opened her first restaurant, The Grass Cup Cafe in Graafschap, in early 2006. When an opportunity to establish a restaurant in downtown Holland became available in 2008, Anderson closed the Grass Cup and put all her efforts into restoring an historic building at 220 W. 8th Street.

Blue House Bistro opened in May 2010 and in its first year of operation, has drawn attention from local foodies and media. In his online review, Rob Kirkbridge of GRgrub.com said Angie K’s menu at Blue House Bistro was “truly one of the best meals I’ve had in West Michigan.”

www.BlueHouseBistro.com

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 960,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information about the Faces of Diversity awards program, visit www.restaurant.org/diversity.