On Sunday, December 7, 2014, the Cincinnati Bailliage gathered to witness the presentation of the 2014 Bronze Star of Excellence to Al Vontz III, a member of the Chaîne since 1996. Al is co-chairman of Heidelberg Distributing which his grandfather started in 1938. Over the years, he has provided many venues free of charge for our Mondiale and Chaîne events. His distributorship also supplies much of the wine for our functions. He and his wife Margaret assist numerous charitable, educational, and art organizations including the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center’s restoration of Nam June Paik’s Metrobot sculpture. They have given their full support to the annual Cincinnati International Wine Festival which donates to numerous charities throughout the Cincinnati area.
We chose Boca again on this star-studded night for our second holiday dinner with them. Boca is rapidly becoming famous in the region as an outstanding upscale Italian restaurant which is located in the former space of Maisonette – the country’s longest standing Mobil 5-Star restaurant. Boca, headed by Chef David Falk, pays homage to Maisonette by retaining a favorite booth from the former legend in the midst of its open two story design with exposed brick walls, rustic woodwork, flowing textiles, glazed tiles, and sparkling chandeliers.
At evening’s end we all thanked Bailli George Elliott, Vice Gastronomique Barbara Lancor, Vice Echanson Mike Monnin, and the staff of Boca for their exquisite collaboration which gave us this dazzling event. What a perfect way to celebrate the holidays while honoring Al Vontz for all that he has given to us and the community.
Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse