James Beard Award Winners and Results, for New Yorkers

For foodies, the annual James Beard Award is the equivalent of the Oscars in the film industry. However, the James Beard Award will never reach Oscar level of national fame, quite simply because while someone living in rural Alaska can enjoy the artistic performance of Jeff Bridges at a local cinema, to experience the artistry of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, most people would need to hop on a plane.

Luckily, some of us are in New York, and this year New York did quite well. Here is a quick summary of the 2010 James Beard Award results that matter for New Yorkers, and some of my opinion.

Restaurant Decor: The Wright
I have to admit, I didn’t even know this restaurant existed, even though I’ve probably passed it 20 times since its opening last December. Located in the Guggenheim museum, the restaurant is styled after the museum’s famous exterior, and serving upscale contemporary cuisine. Can Guggenheim duplicate the magic that is The Modern in another landmark museum? Time will tell, literally, as I’m planning to visit soon. For now, the all too available OpenTable reservation system doesn’t look like it’s popular.

Wine Service: Jean George
I’m no specialist in wine, but based on my experience at Jean George and all of JGV’s restaurants, the wine service has always been excellent. As one of the Grand Award winners from Wine Spectator, this win is perhaps well deserved. New York truly has some of the best sommeliers in the business.

New Restaurant: Marea
Opened in 2009, one Michelin star, and now named New Restaurant of the Year. Chef Michael White is really showing his ability to not only create exceptional Italian dishes, but hold his own running multiple restaurants. Can’t wait to give this place a try later this summer.

Chef of the Year: Tom Colicchio
Perhaps his desire to refocus on cooking, instead of all these TV appearances, is finally paying off. Colicchio & Sons, the new restaurant that replaced Craft Steak, seems to be off to a strong start, and now this great win. I’ve never been to Craft before, perhaps now’s the time.

Best Chef (Regional, NYC):  Daniel Humm
Breathing new life into Eleven Madison Park when he took the role of executive chef back in 2006, this one Michelin star establishment is still a Manhattan attraction. Score another win for Danny Meyer’s enterprise. I heard an insane after party took place here last night.

Best Restaurateur: Keith McNally
Balthazar, Lucky Strike, Minetta Tavern, Morandi, Pastis, Pravda, and Schiller’s Liquor Bar. That’s quite a list. Nothing more need be said.

Outstanding Restaurant: Daniel
Guess who’s going to Daniel this Thursday! It’s been a great year for Chef Boulud, earning 3 Michelin Stars at his flagship restaurant, and now getting the honor of the best restaurant of the year! I had the honor of interviewing Chef Boulud last year, total class act. Reservations were incredibly difficult to secure even before this award, and I cannot imagine how they are now. Again, congratulations Chef Boulud.

Other honorable nominations:
Making the list is quite an accomplishment in itself, here are the NYC nominees that didn’t go home with an award

Better luck to these guys next year!