Last in our series of interviews with Bay Area James Beard nominees, we have A16 and SPQR chef and partner Nate Appleman. This has been a big year for the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Rising Star Chef. With two new restaurants in the works (one here and one in Japan), and a new cookbook out, it's a wonder he has time to attend even one awards ceremony, let alone several.
Appleman picked up a Best New Chef Award from Food and Wine, while A16 Food + Wine got two awards from the International Association of Culinary Professionals. He's up for a Beard award for Rising Star Chef Of The Year.
Where are you most excited to eat when you are in New York?
I always look forward to Gramercy Tavern. It’s my favorite restaurant. One place I want to try that I haven’t been to is Motorino.
What about Corton? Everybody else I’ve talked to for this wanted to go to Corton
I went three or four weeks ago (when in town for the Food and Wine awards).
Have you been to the Beard awards before? What do you think of the experience?
This is my third nomination. I think it’s great. To get that many chefs of this caliber in one location, that’s pretty impressive. Every year it’s just a great time.
Who do you think is your biggest competition in your Beard category? Why?
This may sound like an egomaniac, but I really think I’ve got it this year. It’s my third year. I think this is my year.
If you win, how are you going to celebrate?
I hadn’t thought about that. Probably just hang out with some friends, go to some after-parties, and then come home the next day.
Who are you looking forward to meeting?
Honestly, I’ve met most of the people that are going to be there. Stanley Tucci is one of the hosts, so that will be cool. Big Night is a great movie, and something everybody in the culinary world has seen, so it will be interesting to meet him.
How will having a Beard award affect your restaurant and your career?
I think it’s a huge accomplishment, and with that will bring even more business to the restaurants, and prestige. It separates you from people who haven’t won the award. It’s one of those things that’s huge in this industry and it’s such a great honor.
