James Beard Foundation Restaurant & Chef Awards 2016: The Winners Are...

Highlights

These prestigious awards are known as the 'Oscars' of the culinary world
Chicago’s Alinea received the award for Outstanding Restaurant
New Orleans’ Shaya bagged the Best New Restaurant Award

Ever since James Beard appeared on television’s first cooking show, food has been one of the most popular subjects in American broadcasting. James Andrew Beard was an American cookbook author, chef, columnist and television personality. He was a champion of American cuisine who taught many professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Coinciding with his Foundation’s 30th anniversary, the 2016 James Beard Awards honors the country’s top culinary talent and celebrates American cuisine. These prestigious awards are known as the 'Oscars' of the culinary world. The 2016 James Beard Awards Gala, hosted by Carla Hall, took place at Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, May 2, 2016. New Orleans’ Shaya bagged the Best New Restaurant Award and Chicago’s Alinea received the award for Outstanding Restaurant. This award recognizes "a restaurant in the United States that serves as a national standard bearer of consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere and service,". Interestingly, only restaurants that have been open and running for 10 or more years are eligible to participate. The award for Outstanding Chef was won by Suzanne Goin of Lucques from Los Angeles. Here's a list of winners under various categories. Congratulations to all!

NATIONAL RESTAURANT AND CHEF AWARDS

— Best New Restaurant: Shaya in New Orleans

— Outstanding Baker: Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston

— Outstanding Bar Program: Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, New York

— Outstanding Chef: Suzanne Goin of Lucques in Los Angeles

— Outstanding Pastry Chef: Dahlia Narvaez of Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles

— Outstanding Restaurant: Alinea in Chicago

— Outstanding Restaurateur: Ken Friedman of The Spotted Pig, The Breslin and Tosca Cafe in New York

— Outstanding Service: Eleven Madison Park in New York

— Outstanding Wine Program: Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida

— Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional: Ron Cooper of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

— Rising Star Chef of the Year: Daniela Soto-Innes of Cosme in New York

James Beard Award-winner @GerardFCraft is cooking up milksteak at the 2016 #jbfa, thanks to @true_res. pic.twitter.com/dOqbAJ71MK
— Beard Foundation (@beardfoundation) May 3, 2016

REGIONAL CHEF AWARDS

—Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH): Curtis Duffy, Grace, Chicago

—Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (D.C., DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA): Aaron Silverman, Rose's Luxury, Washington D.C.

—Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI): Paul Berglund, The Bachelor Farmer, Minneapolis

—Best Chef: New York City (Five Boroughs): Jonathan Waxman, Barbuto

—Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY STATE, RI, VT): Zak Pelaccio, Fish & Game, Hudson, New York

—Best Chef: Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY): Renee Erickson, The Whale Wins, Seattle

—Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery, New Orleans

—Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV): Tandy Wilson, City House, Nashville

—Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT): Justin Yu, Oxheart, Houston

—Best Chef: West (CA, HI, NV): Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, Animal, Los Angeles

One of the many dishes on offer at tonight's #jbfa reception: barbecue from 2015 winner @FranklinBbq pic.twitter.com/NeBFX4Zsr5
— Beard Foundation (@beardfoundation) May 3, 2016