Michigan Chef Gains National Honor

April 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Angie K Anderson, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Blue House Bistro (www.BlueHouseBistro.com) 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, inspired 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."

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, Michigan.  She decided to open her first restaurant, The Grass Cup Cafe in Graafschap, in early 2006, but closed it late 2008 when the opportunity to move into a space in downtown Holland became available.  Blue House Bistro, located  at 220 W. 8th Street, opened in May of 2010.  Blue House Bistro, and Chef Angie K,  has been described by Rob Kirkbridge of GRgrub.com as serving “truly one of the best meals I’ve had in West Michigan.”

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.  For more information about the Faces of Diversity awards program, visit www.restaurant.org/diversity.

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, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.

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Blue House Bistro is a chef owned and operated boutique bistro restaurant located in Downtown Holland, Michigan. The restaurant has an extensive & innovative menu featuring the best Neo-American Creole Fusion style cuisine in West Michigan.