The highly anticipated James Beard Awards took place yesterday, and while we couldn't be there in the flesh, it sure felt like we were: Twitter was aflutter with snapshots, congratulations, and jokes from attendees. Wish you were a part of the action? Get an inside look at what really went on last night inside the winner's circle when you flip through these pictures.
Source: Twitpic User Andrew Zimmern, Twitter User kludt, and Twitter User dwilson79
The time has finally arrived: the James Beard Awards, or the Oscars of the food world, have just been announced. After months of suspense following the announcement of this year's semifinalists and subsequent finalists, the results were announced at a star-studded gala in New York's Lincoln Center, where a smattering of top talent from Grant Achatz to Top Chef winner Paul Qui walked home with medals.
For the first time ever, there was an Outstanding Bar Program award, and it went to Jim Meehan, owner and bar manager at PDT in New York City. Other highlights? Eleven Madison Park's Daniel Humm nabbed top prize for Outstanding Chef; Wolfgang Puck spoke at length as he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar fame took home title of Rising Star Chef; the pastry wunderkind declared that if she could cook anything for James Beard, it would be turkey pot pie. Read ahead to see the full list of 2012 James Beard Award winners.
After months of media buzz, the winners of this year's James Beard Awards are in. The awards — which are being bestowed upon the nation's top chefs thisveryminute by the likes of Tom Colicchio, Ming Tsai, and Traci Des Jardins — are taking place at a star-studded gala in New York's Lincoln Center.
As for the winners: José Andrés was predicted to take home the Outstanding Chef Award, which he did — while Eleven Madison Park in New York City took home the year's award for best restaurant. To see the most updated list of accolades, keep reading.
We're one step closer to knowing who'll take home top honors in this year's James Beard Awards — the so-called "Oscars of the food world." Semifinalists were announced a month ago, and they included the likes of Stephanie Izard, Michael Symon, and Suzanne Goin. The awards, which will be newly sponsored by Groupon and hosted by Tom Colicchio, Ming Tsai, and Traci Des Jardins, won't happen until May 9.
To see which of the 29,000 nominations submitted this year have made it to the finals, read more.
Today's seen news from Bravo's Top Chef, Food & Wine magazine, and now, the James Beard Foundation, with word that it's nailed its podium with Tom Colicchio, Ming Tsai, and (Top Chef Masters contestant!) Traci Des Jardins.
The hosts — all past James Beard Award winners themselves — will run with this year's "Ultimate Melting Pot" theme. They'll spearhead the May 9 gala reception as nominees and guests enjoy provisions from the likes of José Andrés and Jose Garces. Stay tuned for the announcement of James Beard Award finalists, which will come later this month.
Much like the semifinalist announcement, the list of emcees for this year's James Beard Awards reads like a who's who of the culinary world. Yesterday, the foundation revealed that the awards show, which takes place May 3 in New York, will be hosted by none other than Hollywood culinary legend Wolfgang Puck, Food Network gadget geek Alton Brown, and Italian grande dame Lidia Bastianich. Top Chef Masters host Kelly Choi and daring TV diner Andrew Zimmern will host the Media & Book Awards Dinner in a ceremony held the night before. In the past, the James Beard Foundation has made some bizarre host choices like Kim Cattrall and Stanley Tucci, so this year's lineup seems much more in line with the culinary intentions of the event itself.
Plus, I think Alton would make a great, if eccentric, emcee. Who would you like to see host the Oscars of the food world?
It's that time of year again, when the culinary cream of the crop gears up for the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards. This morning, the James Beard Foundation debuted its long list of semifinalists.
The semifinalists were announced for the following restaurant and chef categories: outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, outstanding service, best new restaurant, rising star chef of the year, outstanding pastry chef, outstanding wine service, outstanding wine and spirits professional, and best chef for the following regions: Pacific, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Great Lakes, New York City, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and South.
To find out which big names made headlines, read more.
Many of you are gearing up for Mother's Day, but if you've got some time to spare, there are plenty of enjoyable events worth checking out. There are two national events to note: You can celebrate American Craft Beer Week (find out what is happening in your neck of the woods) and on Saturday, help fight hunger at the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Here at Yum, we're all over the specials going on during Sexy Dishes Week and the new cocktails being showcased at SF Cocktail Week. Where will you be?
To see the rest, read more
From the Indie Wine Festival to the Oscars night of the food world, May has signaled a slew of new and exciting food events. I can assure that you'll have a great time at Chicago's Toast of the Town or any of the Taste of the Nation events. Got any other food events to add? Please feel free to comment below!
To see the rest, read more
If you aren't too tied up with Easter or Passover festivities this week, perhaps you can squeeze in time for a few more palatable events. I'd love to attend the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the seminar on nontaxing tax day cocktails. Who couldn't use one of those?
Know of any enticing engagements we've left off the list? Feel free to chime in below!
