Patrick O’Connell
O’Connell is a self-taught culinarian who co-created and
co-opened The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va., in 1978.
Today, he is the sole proprietor. O’Connell’s culinary
genius and business acumen has earned The Inn at Little Washington a
plethora of the most prestigious culinary accolades. The inn was
recognized as the first five-star country house hotel and the first
establishment to receive two five-star awards, one for its restaurant
and the other for its accommodations in the Mobil Travel Guide, a
distinction that remains today. O’Connell also became the first
restaurateur to receive five diamonds from AAA for both food and
accommodations.
O’Connell has earned a variety of other awards, including the
Best Service, Best Wine List, Restaurant of the Year, Best Chef in the
Mid-Atlantic and Chef of the Year awards from the James Beard
Foundation. The Zagat Survey has rated the Inn as number one in all
categories for the past 14 years. O’Connell received an honorary
doctorate in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University. He is
the author of several best-selling cookbooks, is a frequent guest
speaker and has appeared on many television shows.
“The Academy is proud to induct Patrick O’Connell into
our Hall of Fame as a celebrated chef, as he is recognized around the
country as a leader in our industry,” said AAC National Chair
Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCE, AAC. “O’Connell now joins fellow
celebrated chefs Charlie Trotter, James Beard and Thomas Keller in our
Hall of Fame.”