One of the industry’s true giants was honored at this year’s The Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of New York gala. Rudy Tauscher was feted as the Hospitality Professional of the Year at the 83rd Annual Fall Dinner held at The Four Seasons Hotel New York.
“We gathered to celebrate a superb professional and educator in our hospitality world,” said Uwe Toedter, Foundation President of Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of New York. “The Escoffier Board is delighted to have such an extraordinary and renowned honoree with a distinguished career. Rudy Tauscher has an impact in the hospitality industry and supports the profession by actively educating colleagues and serving as a role model in their fields.”
In accepting the award, Tauscher spoke of hospitality is as a direct reflection of how we live. During his first few weeks at The Four Seasons Hotel New York, he made sure to meet everyone in the building to learn about their responsibilities. “I like working with people who know more about their roles than I do. As a manager, their knowledge helps me put things into place,” he says. Many of the Hotel’s team members have been with the property for more than 20 years. This warmed his heart as a champion of loyalty and excellence in service. “There’s a reason why we are a crown jewel in this city. Guests remember their stays from the beginning and I will continue to uphold that tradition during my time here.” His humble beginnings have helped him understand hotels to their core.
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“I have followed the Golden Rule all of my life and have believed in Isadore Sharp’s (Four Seasons’ founder) philosophy. Choosing to work for Four Seasons was a decision I could not decline.” Tauscher is no stranger to the Big Apple, having managed the openings of the Mandarin Oriental in 2002 and Trump International Hotel and Tower in 1996. He also led the inaugural teams at the Park Hotel in Germany and The Palace of the Lost City in South Africa.
From Mozart to Hip-Hop, Tauscher spoke of his love of music. When he is not traveling, he enjoys painting, reading, jogging, and spending time with his three children, Ileana, Manuela, and Oliver.
Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of New York has presented every year over $15,000 for student scholarships to support students in our industry. Since 2005, the Society has given over $100,000.
In 1955, Les Amis d’Escoffier Society Foundation, Inc. was founded in New York City, by Joseph Donon, Claudius Phillippe, Robert Audelan, Albert Simard, Herman Rusch, Raymond Bosquer and Edward Grenier as a non-profit, charitable organization that provides scholarships for students of the culinary arts. The group’s goal has never wavered. Les Amis d’Escoffier Society continues to uphold the standards of haute cuisine and culinary tradition established by Auguste Escoffier by marrying the resources of respected culinary professionals and enthusiasts in the sharing common culinary experiences, and also recognizing achievement in, and providing support of, culinary education through scholarships for students.
