Michel Richard received one of the evening’s top honors, Outstanding Chef, for his work at Michel Richard Citronelle, beating out Craft’s Tom Colicchio, Jean Joho of Everest in Chicago, Lee Hefter of Spago in Beverly Hills, and Paul Kahan of Blackbird in Chicago. Also honored were Palena’s Frank Ruta and Vidalia’s R.J. Cooper III, who tied for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—and eked past critic favorite Cathal Armstrong as well as Philadelphia’s Jose Garces and Hoboken, New Jersey’s Maricel Presilla. The Outstanding Wine Service award went to Mark Slater of Michel Richard Citronelle, who beat out nominees from Chicago’s Bin 36, Scottsdale’s Mary Elaine’s at the Phoenician, Picasso in Las Vegas, and Manhattan’s I Trulli. Not to be left out was Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America inductee José Andrés, who joined the ranks with fellow inductees Bobby Flay, Jim Clendenen, Michael Pollan, and Dorie Greenspan.
Following the three-and-a-half-hour award ceremony, more than 1,600 guests filled Lincoln Center’s lobby, Grand Promenade, and terrace to sample the wide array of foods created by 31 Beard-worthy chefs. Andrés represented the district, serving up foie-gras cotton candy and olive-oil bonbons. Also in town for the foodie festivities was PX mixologist (and Armstrong partner) Todd Thrasher, who sated guests’ thirst at Sunday night’s media awards with a menu of signature cocktails.
