The 16th Annual Big Taste Welcomes Honorary Chair Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

772-283-8373

agarcia@mentorbig.org

The 16th Annual Big Taste Welcomes Honorary Chair Bernard Carmouche,

Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants

Stuart, FL (February 27, 2012)- Signature Sponsor Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey (Fox Wackeen Dungey) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) are proud to welcome Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants, as the Honorary Chair for The Big Taste.

Chef Carmouche’s story begins like many of the children in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs- which is probably why he is such a big fan of mentoring. In high school he worked as a dishwasher at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, trying to save enough to buy a car. Emeril Lagasse noticed him taking the initiative, and promised to teach him about cooking as long as he stayed in school. Here is a short except of a recent article in the Orlando Sentinel:

From Commander's Palace and eventually to Emeril's in New Orleans and a coveted internship with acclaimed French chef Roger Verge along the way, Carmouche worked his way up.

"Commander's and Lagasse turned my life around," says Carmouche. "I grew up in a neighborhood where it was very hard to do the right thing."

And just as he was mentored by others, he's constantly on the lookout for young talent in the kitchens he oversees every day in Florida.

"Whatever is taught to you, you teach the next person," says Carmouche. "Mentoring is a gift not to keep, but to pass on."

Chef Carmouche will join Big Brothers Big Sisters supporters at this exciting culinary event and has generously donated dinner for four guests at Emeril’s exclusive Kitchen Table for The Big Taste’s annual silent auction.

The Big Taste, sometimes referred to as The Taste of Martin County or A Taste of Martin County’s Best, showcases local restaurants, caterers, food wine and beer vendors and offers attendees a “taste” of what everyone has to offer. Restaurants compete for votes from attendees in each of the six categories: Best Soup, Best Salad, Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert

and Best Presentation.

BBBS is still currently accepting sponsors, restaurants participants and silent auction donations. To find out more about getting involved visit www.TheBigTaste.net or call 561-727-3450.

Tickets are available in advance for $40 each or two for $65 and can be purchased online at www.thebigtaste.net and at the BBBS office at 5035 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997. Tickets will be available at the door for $50 per person.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.