Teaching is as close to immortality as anyone will ever get, according to Ferdinand Metz. And all restaurateurs and chefs are teachers because that's what they do every day, Metz said in May at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Salute to Excellence gala.

Many of those restaurateurs and chefs don’t get the recognition they deserve. But the NRAEF honors outstanding leaders in the hospitality, restaurant and foodservice industry each year through several awards.

NRAEF is accepting nominations for next year’s honors: the Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award, College of Diplomats and the Michael E. Hurst Lifetime Achievement in Education Award. 

These awards recognize the honorees’ extraordinary achievements and contributions to the industry through education, philanthropy and community service.

Metz, managing partner, the Master Chefs' Institute and former president, Culinary Institute of America, was among the restaurateurs and culinary educators honored this year. He received the Michael E. Hurst award.

Nominate a great industry leader here. Nominations are due Sept. 10.

Salute to Excellence is set for May 21, 2011, in Chicago.