Beard Nominees for Best Chef

[vengroff]

The nominees were announced today:

Scott Carsberg - Lampreia, Seattle

Joseba Jimenez de Jimenez - Harvest Vine, Seattle

Vitaly Paley - Paley's Place Bistro & Bar, Portland

Holly Smith - Cafe Juanita, Kirkland

John Sundstrom - Lark, Seattle

Leslie Mackie of Macrina Bakery in Seattle was also nominated for the outstanding pastry chef award.

Congratulations to all the nominees.

Now let's hear the eGullet analysis....

Edited April 6, 2005 by vengroff (log)

[ExtraMSG]

Portland author (and previous Beard winner) Janie Hibler was nominated for her excellent book The Berry Bible. (Which you can find on sale at Powell's for under $12 at the link provided or on their clearance rack.)

[little ms foodie]

I'm surprised that Ethan Stowell wasn't nominated??

[ScorchedPalate]

You beat me to it, Wendy... that's a really bizarre omission.

[tsquare]

Probably too soon for Ethan. But Maria Hines of E&O got the F&W new chef nod. That might have been a good one for him, though she is quite deserving.

[vengroff]

I think Ethan may not technically be eligible yet. You have to have been working in a specific reqion for the last three years straight to qualify. Union has only been here for a year and a half. I think before that Ethan spent some time in Atlanta, so until he reaches three years from the time he came back he can't be nominated.

If that's not the reason, then he was robbed.

[malachi]

Paley would make more sense if the award was for energy bars.

[little ms foodie]

So if you have to be someplace for 3 years how is Sundstrom eligible? Lark hasn't been in business for 3 years....

Frans Chocolate cookbook was also nominated.

Guess I better get over to Lamprea and check it out......

[MsRamsey]

So if you have to be someplace for 3 years how is Sundstrom eligible? Lark hasn't been in business for 3 years....

He was at Earth & Ocean for a long time before that, though.

[tsquare]

So if you have to be someplace for 3 years how is Sundstrom eligible? Lark hasn't been in business for 3 years....

He was at Earth & Ocean for a long time before that, though.

←

and Carmelita for a short time before that, and Dahlia Lounge before that. Long time PNW.

[Really Nice!]

I think Ethan may not technically be eligible yet.  You have to have been working in a specific reqion for the last three years straight to qualify...

←

Qualifications from Jimbo himself:

American Express Best Chef Awards

For chefs who have set standards of excellence in their regions: California, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York City, Northeast, Pacific Northwest/Hawaii, Southeast, and Southwest. Nominees may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as chefs for at least five years. The three most recent years must have been spent in the region in which the chef is being nominated.

From Passport:

"He is invited to be a featured chef at the renowned James Beard House in New York in the Spring of 2005... ...Ethan has worked with Seattle chefs Philip Mihalski of Nell’s Restaurant, Tim Kelley of the Painted Table, and his long time mentor, Joe McDonnal of the Ruins. "

[Foodie-Girl]

Scott Carsberg - Lampreia, Seattle

***I'll second that vote. I think his food is amazing and the service/atmosphere first class

[little ms foodie]

ok, I totally understand now....region not restaurant!

[Abra]

What really jumps out at me is that Portland seems to have gotten short shrift, considering what a kick-ass food town it is.

I've only been to Harvest Vine, of the nominees, but I adore it and think it's unique and deserving of an award.

[Really Nice!]

What really jumps out at me is that Portland seems to have gotten short shrift, considering what a kick-ass food town it is.

←

What jumps out to me is that there are four from Seattle. Usually there's one from Hawaii, one from Alaska, one from Portland, and one from Seattle, with the last from Montana, Idaho, Wyoming...

P.S. I hope Holly gets it.

[malarkey]

I gotta vote for Sundstrom. I've had some epiphany food at Lark. you know.. take one bite, hear celestial choir...

[vengroff]

Paley won. Congratulations to him.

But he's also the only one I'm unfamiliar with. What's his place like?

[heyjude]

Darren, Paley's is a fabulous small and personal restaurant which you can infer from the fact that we chose them to do Mark Bittman's Cooks and Books Dinner in Portland. Vitaly Paley is a natural (and a former ballet dancer). He has earned this honor. Kimberly Paley who runs the FOTH is a very gracious host. PM me if you'd like to ride down with me on May 12th. I'll return to Seattle the next day.

[hilaria]

Hey Judy:

Actually Kimberly was the ballet dancer and Vitaly was/is the piano player! His food and the restaurant really ARE good. And just so you know, there are a few places left for the Cooks & Books Visiting Chef Series dinner at Paley's Place for the Mark Bittman dinner on May 12th.

I know I will see you there....

[heyjude]

I knew that. Anyway, they are both artists at what they do. See you soon.

[joiei]

I emailed Paley's asking for a reservation later in May when I am there for an event at Timberline Lodge. From looking at the menu, I am in for a treat. I think my motto will go from "Life is Good in Tulsa, Oklahoma" to "Travels for good food" l