After yesterday’s crushing defeat in the media category, Chicago has emerged semi-triumphant, picking up what are, arguably, the two most important awards of the evening (plus a throwaway that Chicago couldn’t lose): Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Service. Given that Chicago’s performance on Sunday was 0-3, we are more than satisfied with 3-5. To the results, starting with our winners:
OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT AWARD
Frontera Grill
Chef/Owner: Rick and Deann Bayless
Chicago, IL
Our verdict: Ha! And it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Condolences to the people at Spiaggia, who were also nominated for this category
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, and Richard Melman
TRU
Chicago, IL
Our verdict: The service ought to be good for the money, so it’s nice to know that it’s not just good, but the best. The competition in this category seemed fairly weak, though
BEST CHEF: GREAT LAKES
Grant Achatz
Alinea
Chicago, IL
Our verdict: This is sort of duh, and almost an insult. Maybe the Beard people are too conservative to give the big award to a mole-gas establishment. Local losers in this category include Naha and North Pond, which are lovely establishments but really don’t belong in the same category as Alinea
OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR AWARD
Thomas Keller
The French Laundry
Yountville, CA
Chicagoland nominee: Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Our verdict: Keller may run one of the best restaurants in the world to near-infinite praise, but Melman will eat you alive
OUTSTANDING CHEF AWARD
Michel Richard
Michel Richard Citronelle
Washington, DC
Chicagoland nominees: Jean Joho of Everest and Paul Kahan of Blackbird
Our verdict: Yeah, whatever; we’re sure that this Michel is a good cook, but Chicago got two nominees. Bite us
RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR
David Chang
Momofuku Noodle Bar
New York, NY
Chicagoland nominee: Graham Bowles, Avenues
Our verdict: There is little doubt in our mind that Bowles is a better chef than Chang. Two little noodles shops, however enjoyable, are no Avenues. But Chang’s a media darling, and this is a media event, so…
OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF AWARD
Michael Laskonis
Le Bernardin
New York, NY
Chicagoland nominee: Mindy Segal, Hot Chocolate
Our verdict: Le Bernardin is one of the top French restaurants in the country, and its sweet is as good as its savory. We’re sorry for Ms. Segal, but it was an honor to be nominated
OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE AWARD
Mark Slater
Michel Richard Citronelle
Washington, DC
Chicagoland nominees: Brian Duncan, Bin 36
Our verdict: Okay, but the guy who’s serving the wine scares us a bit. Also, if Alpana Singh were still actively sommelier-ing, there would be no contest
Next year, we’ll sweep, for sure.
