Joe Cicala Picked for Inaugural American Chef Corps

Chef Joe Cicala of Le Virtù has been making food headlines since joining the fray in the local scene, and now he gets the opportunity to do it on a much higher level. Cicala is one of 80 chefs who were selected by a group made up of State Department folks and The James Beard Foundation to represent the good ol' U.S.A as a culinary diplomat.

Known as the American Chef Corps, these talented cooks will be used in various capacities to do different duties like cooking for visiting dignitaries and representing the U.S. abroad at foreign embassies. The program was first initiated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, and features some big name chefs like Rick Bayless, Jose Andres, and April Bloomfield.

Tonight, Cicala is attending a dinner at The White House to celebrate the official launch of the program, and, of course, represent Philadelphia. Congrats, Joe!

· America's New Culinary Ambassadors [Eater DC]
· All Joe Cicala Coverage [~EPHI~]