Bienvenue!

Join members of the Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of Chicago and their guests, as they travel to

Monte-Carlo in the magnificent Principality of Monaco in the south of France to celebrate their annual

“Diner d’Hiver”

February 7 ~ 12, 2002

Hotel Hermitage

Monaco

The principality of Monaco is a sovereign state. Its exceptional location, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alpes Maritimes, gives it the benefit of over 310 days of sunshine per year. With 120 km of sun-drenched shores, the Riviera offers one of France’s most fabulous seafronts.

What lies behind the legend of Monte-Carlo? An atmosphere of luxury and sophistication, unique in the world; a certain sense of excellence, combining some of the most dazzling places on earth. This legend of Monte-Carlo, the foundation of the leading and most prestigious resort in the world, was born in 1863 with the creation of the Societe des Bains de Mer. With its encouragement, the famous Monte Carlo Casino and Hotel de Paris saw the light of day, followed by a collection of absolute gems like the Hotel Hermitage, that played a major role in inscribing brilliant, magical and moving times in the history of the Principality.

Join us for an adventure of a lifetime!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, February 18, 2001… John Kaufmann, Chairman and Joe Aiello, Secretary of Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of Chicago, proudly announce that the society will hold their annual “Diner d’Hiver” at the magnificent Hotel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco, France. The Les Amis d’Escoffier Society, a not for profit fraternity of true epicures and connoisseurs, is dedicated to the propagation of the high standards and ethics of the culinary profession. It was created to perpetuate the memory of the great culinary master, Auguste Escoffier. Les Amis d’Escoffier Society, destined to become the high authority on fine dining, was founded for the purpose of promoting a better understanding and greater appreciation of the art of good living. Its first meeting was held in the Jantzen Suite of the Waldorf Astoria, March 30, 1936.

Why celebrate this gala event in the south of France? Auguste Escoffier ( 1847-1935) often referred to as the “Father of Modern Cuisine”, was a renowned chef, teacher, and author of Le Guide Culinaire. He was born in Villeneuve-Loubet, a small village near Nice. His culinary visions were known not only in his native France, but influenced cuisine worldwide. When the Savoy Hotel opened in London in 1898 under the direction of Escoffier and Cesar Ritz, grand cuisine was still the exception. These two chefs waged a successful campaign to assure that their a la carte offerings were the finest and their service was the best. Escoffier simplified the classical menu in accordance with the principles of Careme, and initiated the kitchen brigade system. His home in Villeneuve-Loubet is now open to visitors and houses a fascinating culinary museum.

Native Frenchman Michel Bouit, Ambassador for Les Amis d’Escoffier Society and President of MBI, Inc. of Chicago, has fulfilled his vision to bring this elite group to France to celebrate this historic dinner, that will be held at the magnificent Hotel l’Hermitage in Monte-Carlo. Michel has planned an unbelievable culinary adventure in conjunction with this historic dinner. While enjoying their glorious days on the Cote d’Azur, Society members and their guests will have the opportunity to walk through culinary history during a visit and cocktail reception in the birthplace and museum of Maitre Escoffier on Saturday,

February 9 before going for lunch at Le Cagnard in Cagnes-sur-Mer.

** For information on this historic gala and tour to the South of France, contact Michel Bouit MBI, Inc. @ 312-663-5701 / e-mail: MBI@worldofmbi.com

View the complete itinerary @ www.worldofmbi.com and click on “What’s Happening at MBI?”

Les Amis d'Escoffier Societe of Chicago

"2002 Diner d'Hiver & the Cote d'Azur Experience"

Thursday, February 7

Departure for Nice, Lufthansa # 435, Chicago-Frankfurt, leaving Chicago at 4:40 pm.

Friday, February 8

Arrival in Frankfurt at 7:45 am, connecting to Lufthansa # 4202 Frankfurt-Nice, leaving Frankfurt at 12:20 am, arriving Nice at 1:35 pm. Check-in for 4 nights at the Hotel Hermitage in Monaco. www.montecarloresort.com. Visit of the Parfumerie Fragonard in Grasse. Since 1926, Fragonard has created perfumes combining traditional techniques with the most modern methods. Welcome dinner with Jacques Chibois at the Bastide St-Antoine in Grasse, 2-Star Michelin & Relais & Chateaux. With all its imagination, nature and festive air, just a glimpse of La Bastide thrills the mind with what lies in store! www.jacques-chibois.com

Saturday, February 9

Morning visit of the flower market on Cours Salaya in Nice. Cocktail at the Musee de l'Art Culinaire in Villeneuve-Loubet. This museum, with eight exhibition rooms was created in 1966 in the birthplace of the famous chef, Auguste Escoffier. Lunch with Jean-Yves Johanny & Didier Anies, MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) at the Cagnard, 1-Star Michelin & Relais & Chateaux in the medieval village of Cagnes-sur-Mer. www.le-cagnard.com Afternoon visit of Verre & Flame Creations in Biot to see the art of glass-blowing. Remainder of day at leisure in Nice for sightseeing, shopping or discovering Monaco, the world's oldest ruling monarchy, or to contribute to the local economy by a visit to the Casino of Monte-Carlo.

Sunday, February 10

Day at leisure to relax & enjoy your hotel & its full service amenities. Get ready for this historic evening, the "Diner d'Hiver" at the elegant Hotel Hermitage in the "Salle Belle Epoque." The festivities will start with a group photo & reception in the Salon Eiffel & continue with all the pageantry of this glorious evening with Michel Escoffier, the great grandson of Auguste Escoffier in attendance and Roger Verge, Le Moulin de Mougins as our guest of honor. Monaco will never be the same.... Our chef-host for this historic dinner will be Joel Garault, Hotel Hermitage, assisted by Mario Muratore, Executive Chef, Hotel de Paris, Michel de Matteis, MOF 1990, Executive Chef, Hotel Mirabeau & Christian Faure, MOF 1997, Executive Pastry Chef, Hotel de Paris. These three hotels belong to the prestigious group, Societe des Bains de Mer, each a 1-Star Michelin rated property.

Monday, February 11

Morning at leisure. Afternoon, visits of Confiserie Florian, Gorges du Loup, located at the foot of a rocky mountain in the shaded coolness of a sparkling river and the Moulins de la Brague, huilerie d'Opio with a tasting of regional products. Dinner with Christian Willer at La Palme d'Or in the famous Hotel Martinez in Cannes, a 2-Star Michelin. www.hotel-martinez.com

Tuesday, February 12

After petit dejeuner, early departure, Lufthansa #4167 Nice-Frankfurt, leaving Nice at 6:50 am, arriving Frankfurt at

8:30 am; connecting to Lufthansa #430 Frankfurt-Chicago, leaving Frankfut at 10:40 am, arriving Chicago at 12:50 pm. Travel may be extended in France or other European destinations and can be arranged through MBI.

This culinary package includes: round-trip airfare Chicago-Frankfurt-Nice, 4 night deluxe hotel accommodations at the Hotel Hermitage, including breakfast, all meals, professional & cultural visits as per the itinerary, ground transportation, a commemorative plate & menu and an unparalleled culinary experience!

~ Registration Form ~

Name: __________________________________________________________________ # of Travelers: _____________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ______________________________________________________________________________

Telephone #: ______________________________________ Fax #: __________________________________

Ø Les Amis d'Escoffier "Diner d'Hiver 2002 & the Cote d'Azur Experience" February 7-12

Package with accommodations at the 4-Star Grand Luxury Hotel Hermitage in Monaco

____ $2,395.00 per person double occupancy - Single Supplement - $400

Make all checks payable to: MBI Tours

____ Check ____Visa ____ MC ____ AE

Credit Card Number: _______________________________________________________________

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Mail to:

MBI Culinary Consulting

1121 S. Clinton Street

Chicago, Il.60607

~ Reservations ~

Space reserved on a first come, first-served basis with a $500.00 deposit per person. Final balance is due on December 13. A confirmation will be mailed upon receipt of your registration. Itinerary is subject to change and cost may vary due to the exchange rate. A Passenger Travel Protection Plan is available upon request from MBI Culinary Consulting. This Culinary Adventure is also available from other U.S. cities with airfare quoted accordingly. Extended travel in France or other European destinations can be arranged through MBI Tours.

Let MBI Culinary Consulting be your passport to:

· Study Abroad Program, Dordogne Region & Paris - February 19-March 1, 2001

· Discover Northeast France, Burgundy & Lyon, the Gastronomic Mecca - April 26-May 7, 2001

· Study Abroad Program - Normandy Region & Paris - August 26-September 6, 2001

· Student Overseas Educational Program - South of France & Northern Italy-September 16-27, 2001

· Discover Western France, Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley & Paris - September 27-October 9, 2001

· Escoffier Dinner 2002 & The Cote d'Azur Experience - February 7-12, 2002

· Escoffier Trip Extension, Marseilles, Avignon & Lyon - February 12-16, 2002

· Discover Languedoc-Roussillon, Costa Brava & Barcelona – May 25-June 7, 2002

· France a la Carte, European Travel & Other Culinary Adventures

All Programs Approved for ACFEI Continuing Education Units

Call MBI for complete itineraries

312-663-5701 - (312) 663-5702 Fax

email: mbi@worldofmbi.com

website:www.worldofmbi.com