The place to be and be seen last Monday, May 4 was at Avery Fisher Hall (NYC), where the so-called “oscars” of the food world were awarded to top culinary professionals. Some sightings included Emeril, Martha, Lydia, Jacques Pepin, Stanley Tucci, Richard Gere, Ted Allen, Nora Ephron and so, so many more…

Some highlights of that evening’s James Beard Foundation Awards include:

  • OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR AWARD – (A working restaurateur who sets high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for at least 10 years. Candidates must not have been nominated for a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past 10 years.) Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group, NYC
  • OUTSTANDING CHEF AWARD – (A working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. Candidates must have been working as chefs for at least the past 5 years.) Dan Barber, Blue Hill, NYC
  • OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT AWARD – (A restaurant in the United States that serves as a national standard-bearer for consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere, and service. Candidates must have been in operation for at least 10 or more consecutive years.) Jean Georges, NYC; Chef/Owner: Jean-Georges Vongerichten; Owner: Phil Suarez
  • RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR AWARD (A chef age 30 or younger who displays an impressive talent and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come.) Nate Appleman, A16, San Francisco
  • BEST NEW RESTAURANT- (A restaurant opened in 2008 that already displays excellence in food, beverage, and service and is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come.) Momofuku Ko, NYC, Chef/Owner: David Chang
  • OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE AWARD – (A restaurant that displays and encourages excellence in wine service through a well-presented wine list, a knowledgeable staff, and efforts to educate customers about wine. Candidates must have been in operation for at least 5 years.) Le Bernardin, NYC, Wine Director: Aldo Sohm
  • OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD (A restaurant that demonstrates high standards of hospitality and service. Candidates must have been in operation for at least the past 5 years.) Daniel, NYC, Owners: Daniel Boulud and Joel Smilow

“Women in Food” was the theme of the awards gala that followed. with Lydia Matticchio Bastianich, the Gala chair. Here are some snippets of some of what we sampled at the gala…