Page 20 - Southern Oregon Magazine Fall 2022

buzz | tidbits
b uzz | tidbits
WHO’S WHO

WHAT’S WHAT

NEWS | EVENTS | AWARDS | SPOTLIGHTS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINE SPECTATOR RESTAURANT AWARD
KAREN DRESCHER
LARKS HOME KITCHEN CUISINE
AWARDS AFoundation has chosen Ashland TAshland Springs Hotel has been honored for
shland
Health
he iconic Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine at
Community
its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s
resident Karen Drescher for its 2021
Distinguished Service Award. This
2022 Restaurant Awards. The annual program
recognizes restaurants around the world as top
award is presented to individuals whose
service to the community through
Award of Excellence for the exceptional wine
the foundation has been clearly dis-
tinguished by length, intensity, devo- destinations for wine lovers. Larks won the
list showcasing value-priced, sustainable, Oregon
tion, and significant accomplishment. wines.
Further, the awardee shows a special
place in their heart for the foundation, with their work resulting in “I want to thank the team here at Larks, including our guests, who made
significant accomplishments for ACHF and its mission. this award possible. Being selected as part of this exclusive group is truly
an honor,” said Molly Shaughnessy, Restaurant Manager & Sommelier.
Drescher’s board tenure began in 2013. As a retired registered nurse, “Larks strives to provide the highest possible level of hospitality for our
she knew the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of the guests. Thanks to our partnership with local producers and distribu-
community. In addition to chairing the development committee, she tors we seek out the best sustainable wines in the region, state, country,
is currently chair of the Evans Nursing Scholarship selection commit- and from around the world. We are particularly inspired by our Rogue
tee, and embraces the foundation’s expanded focus on innovative and Valley wine region, which is producing incredibly special wines with
equitable approaches to community health and wellness throughout unique stories and unquestionable profiles. Being able to offer these
the Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix communities. wines to Larks’ guests is a one of a kind opportunity to promote sustain-
able Oregon wines masterfully paired with great flavors of the Pacific
“To receive this award is really a great honor since I know and respect Northwest.”
so many of the past recipients,” Drescher says. “We’ve had such a who’s
who of dedicated and impactful honorees over the years, I feel I’m in As a farm-to-table restaurant, Larks is committed to the land by which
very good company! The last two years have ushered in huge changes its local farmers and purveyors make a living, and from which it hand
for the foundation. These were very challenging times, but also reward- selects its menu. Shaughnessy tastes and hand selects the wine selections
ing. We turned the challenges into opportunities to expand our focus with flavor, quality and sustainability in mind.
to benefit a broader community.”
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Wine Spectator
www.achfoundation.org examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring
wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of
more than 15,000 wines each year.

www.WineSpectator.com

Ashland Springs Hotel is an oasis of gentility and elegance located in the
quaint, charming town of Ashland. Ashland Springs Hotel offers first-
class hospitality to those who are drawn to Southern Oregon by the arts,
the natural beauty, and the exciting local food and wine scene.

www.ashlandspringshotel.com

18 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2022