For a chef, a James Beard Foundation award is considered the most distinguished and prestigious honor of culinary recognition. Referred to as the “Oscars of the food world” by Time Magazine, the event is presented once a year in the Spring in New York City. Not limited to chefs and restaurants, the awards extend to broadcast media, books, journalism, and restaurant design among others. Entries begin in the Fall prior to the event. Any chef may enter to be considered for an award, and the process is as follows: First, a committee selects up to 20 semi finalists in each category. Second, the semifinalists are narrowed down by over 400 judges, who then choose 5 nominees in each category, who are announced in March. Thirdly are the final awards presented in May. Enough already, who won you say? The 2009 winners in the Chefs and Restaurants categories may be viewed here!
Darling Amanda Tice from Chic Tv attended and produced a great series of short video interviews that we love. In addition to the foundations president Susan Ungaro and restaurateur Drew Nieporent, she interviewed a delicious array of chefs. Here is a taste of her chef lineup: Daniel Boulud, Todd English, Ming Tsai, Eric Ripert, Jacques Pepin, and Thomas Keller.
