Earlier this week, the James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for its annual awards honoring the best chefs, restaurateurs and food writers from around the country. Before tackling the Bay Area nominees, let’s take a look at the “big” categories.
Best Restaurateur: Thomas Keller (French Laundry), Keith McNally (Balthazar), Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You), Drew Nieporent (Myriad Rest. Grp.) and Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Jean Georges)
Best Chef: Tom Colicchio (Craft), Lee Hefter (Spago), John Joho (Everest), Paul Kahan (Blackbird), Michel Richard (Michel Richard Citronelle)
Local nominees after the jump …
Newpaper Feature Writing With Recipes: Stacy Finz, San Francisco Chronicle, “Thanksgiving 101; Turkey Training Camp” and Janet Fletcher, San Francisco Chronicle, “Bringing Duck Home”
Newpaper Section: San Francisco Chronicle, Miriam Morgan and Jon Bonne
Television Food Special: “Check, Please! Bay Area” Host: Leslie Sbrocco, KQED Channel 9
Television Food Show, Local: “Bay Cafe” Host: Joey Altman, KRON-TV and “Check, Please! Bay Area” Host: Leslie Sbrocco, KQED Public TV
Outstanding Restaurant Award: Boulevard, Nancy Oakes & Pat Kuleto
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Nate Appleman, A16
Outstanding Pastry Chef Award: Elisabeth Pruiett and Chad Robertson, Tartine Bakery
Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional Award: Paul Draper, Ridge Vineyards (Cupertino); Dan Duckhorn, Duckhorn Vineyards (St. Helena); Helen Turley, HTM Consultants/Marcassin Winery (Calistoga)
Outstanding Service Award: Terra, Hiro Sone & Lissa Doumanie (St. Helena)
Best Chef: Pacific Division: Traci Des Jardins, Jardiniere; Douglas Keane, Cyrus; Roland Passot, La Folie; Craig Stoll, Delfina; Michael Tusk, Quince