The awards were presented Monday night at the Lyric Opera in Chicago. She told her staff: “Everyone pop open a bottle of Champagne”. The Beard Awards moved to Chicago a year ago.
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Charleston restaurants and chefs, which have amassed four James Beard Foundation awards since 2008, didn’t add any medals to its collection this year. It’s the awards’ second year in the Second City after more than two decades in NY. The host was Carla Hall, co-host of the television show “The Chew” and former “Top Chef” contestant.
Prior local Best Chef: Midwest winners include Tim McKee of the former La Belle Vie in 2009, Alex Roberts of Restaurant Alma in 2010 and Isaac Becker of 112 Eatery in 2011. The outstanding baker award went to Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston.
AJC writer Wendell Brock and Atlanta chef and cookbook author Virginia Willis won in their respective categories at the James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards.
Justin Devillier, chef at La Petite Grocery on Magazine Street, won Best Chef: Southeast.
And, according to Eater’s data analysis, Erickson’s Beard also counts as a score for female chefs, who’ve historically had a lower chance of winning than men and duos.
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In other key categories, Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida, took the prize for outstanding wine program, while Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, New York, was honored for its excellence in cocktail, spirits and/or beer service.
