This September in Napa Valley, Cafe Cortina's founder Rina Tonon takes her place among culinary giants. The Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) Hall of Fame welcomes her on September 10, 2025, marking five decades of excellence in food service.

"A trailblazer of farm-to-table dining and one of the Midwest's most respected restaurateurs, Rina Tonon has transformed Cafe Cortina into a nationally celebrated destination known for soulful Italian hospitality and a garden-to-plate philosophy," said Scott Breard, CEO of DiRōNA, in a statement.