Celebrity vegan chef Tal Ronnen is gearing up to wow animal-loving luminaries at the 24th Annual Genesis Awards, which honor outstanding media contributions to animal-welfare. Chef Tal, who derives inspiration from the flavorful French culinary tradition, is partnering with Executive Chef Suki Suguira and Pastry Chef Frania Mendivil of the Beverly Hilton to plate 700 vegan meals for high-profile activists, including film and television stars Kristen Bell, Reid Scott, Teri Hatcher, Ginnifer Goodwin, Melanie Griffith, and Emily Deschanel.

Chef Tal, author of The Conscious Cook: Delicious Meatless Recipes That Will Change the Way You Eat, tells VegNews that cooking food for so many hungry Hollywood-types requires different thought and preparation than restaurant-style meals. "You're more restricted with what you can create, because it must translate into many portions," he explains. Despite the challenge, it thrills him to see that many vegan plates feeding that many people. "It's such a great event," he says.

He's no stranger to rising to the occasion in the kitchen. Chef Tal, a Natural Gourmet Institute graduate, has served the first vegan dinner to the US Senate, prepared meals for Oprah Winfrey's 21-day vegan detox, and catered Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's vegan nuptials. He is a bonafide culinary crusader.

The 2010 Genesis Awards, hosted by the Humane Society of the United States at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Saturday, March 20, mark Chef Tal's third year developing the rich, savory dishes for which he's celebrated. He's given VegNews Magazine the scoop on this year's menu. America's hottest vegan chef strikes again!

HSUS 24th Annual Genesis Awards Menu

First Course
Spinach, Asparagus, and Hearts of Palm Salad
Japanese Yam Croquette
Tomato Miso Dressing

Second Course
Gardein Chick'n Roulade stuffed with Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts
Fingerling Potatoes, Broccolini, and Teardrop Tomatoes
Basil Cream Sauce

Third Course
Exotic Tropical Fruit with Coconut Cream and Dark Chocolate Leaf served in a Martini Glass

You can be part of the action—vicariously—by checking out Animal Planet's television broadcast of the event on April 24 and 25. Host a viewing party and do it up in style by serving this delectable Chef Tal original, Quinoa, Avocado, and Sweet Potato Timbale with Roasted Tomatillo Dressing.

Photo by Larry Goldstein

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