Chef Dean Fearing named a Pioneer of American Cuisine by people who should know

The CIA (no, not the government  one), will honor Dean Fearing as a Pioneer of American Cuisine at an award ceremony March 29 for his contributions to American cookery.

Fearing is a graduate of the Culinary Institue of America. Fearing will be recognized alongside Alice Waters, Wolfgang Puck, Paul Prudhomme and Larry Forgione at the NYC ceremony.

“I am thrilled and so grateful to be selected for this amazing award and, especially, to be included alongside names like Alice Waters, Wolfgang Puck, Paul Prudhomme and Larry Forgione,” said Dean Fearing, according to the CIA. “I benefited tremendously from the education I received at CIA, and I hope that many aspiring young chefs will benefit from the scholarship funds to be raised on this upcoming evening. There’s no better way to learn the art of food than at this remarkable institution.”

Fearing’s spokesman says immediately following the New York gala, Fearing will head to Tokyo, where for one week he will temporarily recreate Fearing’s Restaurant inside another restaurant, the Towers Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. As part of its upcoming fifth anniversary celebration, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo will feature Fearing as its guest chef, and highlights from Fearing’s Restaurant and its menus will be presented at daily lunch and dinner there from April 2 to April 6. Dean Fearing will be a visible fixture in the Towers Grill kitchen throughout that week and will interact with guests who are present for a rare and unusual Fearing’s-in-Japan experience.

Preparations for Easter and Mother’s Day dining are well underway at Fearing’s in Dallas as well, as Chef Fearing will return to his namesake restaurant in time for Easter Brunch, scheduled for Sunday, April 8, 2012, from 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.