The Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America is the culinary industry's Hall of Fame, recognizing food and beverage professionals for significant and lasting achievements in their field. The program was begun in 1984 by Cook's magazine and Restaurant Business. When Cook's ceased publication in 1990, The James Beard Foundation successfully negotiated with the magazine's owners to continue the Who's Who program. As of May 1998 there are 172 members of the Who's Who, all leaders in the culinary industry. In 1991 The James Beard Foundation established The James Beard Hall of Fame to commemorate culinary professionals who died prior to the establishment of the Who's Who.

D'Artagnan Cervena Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America 2000 Inductees Jeffrey Steingarten, Barbara Fairchild, Michael Romano, Larry Stone (front row left-right), and Thomas Keller (back row middle), with Ariane Daguin and George Faison of D'Artagnan.
Photo by Dominick Briganti

Recipients

- Award recipient Barbara Fairchild Bon Appétit Magazine, Los Angeles CA	- Award recipient Thomas Keller French Laundry, Oakville CA
- Award recipient Michael Romano Union Square Café, New York NY	- Award recipient Jeffery Steingarten New York NY
- Award recipient Lawrence (Larry) Stone Rubicon, San Francisco CA