James Beard Semi-Finalists

I’m back, like dough rising with the aid of yeast, or zombies rising from the dead. I got a little writers block there for a hot minute, and was trying to write reflective posts following the time-line in which events have transpired. The post on my mothers birthday party had me stumped for weeks, and I have looked at the words, tweaking language, written drafts upon drafts, until finally gave in and admitting defeat that linear time-lines are just not something I can even pretend to comprehend. In my world time is a cyclical, spiraling Ouroboros of experiences that requires constant redefining. So, in an order to get back to writing, I have thrown all time-lines out the window, and am focusing on just writing, sometimes about the past, and sometimes about the present. It is the best I can do.

So let’s look at what’s going on currently, shall we? The prestigious James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalists were announced just a few days ago, and Seattle has quite a few nominees. It’s all very exciting. Some of the semi-finalists restaurants I have had the privilege of eating at, some are simply on my bucket list, and some have now been added. The winners are announced at the beginning of May, so I best get my butt in gear and head over to places I have not yet been to see what all the hubbub is about.

Best New Restaurant

Staple & Fancy Mercantile, Seattle

Outstanding Chef

Holly Smith, Cafe Juanita, Kirkland, WA

Jerry Traunfeld, Poppy, Seattle

Outstanding Restuarant

Cafe Juanita, Kirkland, WA

Outstanding Restuaranteur

Tom Douglas, Tom Douglas Restaurants, Seattle

Outstanding Service

Canlis, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Wine Service

Canlis, Seattle, Nelson Daquip

Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional

Alex Golitzin, Quilceda Creek Vintners, Snohomish, WA

Best Chef: Northwest

Seif Chirchi and Rachel Yang, Joule, Seattle

Matt Dillon, Sitka & Spruce, Seattle

Mark Fuller, Spring Hill, Seattle

Ethan Stowell, Staple & Fancy Mercantile, Seattle

Jason Stratton, Spinasse, Seattle

I’m wishing my best of luck to all that represent the Northwest, and sincerely hope Tom Douglas can bring another James Beard Foundation Award home!