Among the local highlights in the just-announced James Beard Foundation Awards nominees for 2012 are a Bay Area-dominant quartet of chefs in the Best Chef: Pacific category. Daniel Patterson (Coi), Chris Cosentino (Incanto), Michael Chiarello (Bottega), and Christopher Kostow (Meadowood). Thomas McNaughton (Flour & Water) once again lands on the Rising Star list along with newcomer and national press darling Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food). And four-month-old AQ got a nod for Best New Restaurant, which is pretty awesome for them. Bar Agricole made the cut for nominees in the brand new Outstanding Bar Program category; and A16's Shelley Lindgren once again gets honored for her wine program.
For the umpteenth time, Boulevard landed on the Outstanding Restaurant nominee list — maybe this will be their year! And Gary Danko got a nod for Outstanding Chef, and Aziza's Melissa Chou was nominated for the pastry chef prize as well.
Also, the East Bay Express's Ellen Cushing got a nod for her wine, spirits and beverage writing; and local food writer Emily Kaiser Thelin got recognized for that piece she wrote for San Francisco magazine last year about Bi-Rite's Sam Mogannam.
Congratulations to all y'all.
See the link below for the full list of nominees, and remember that the awards will be happening May 7 in New York.
2012 James Beard Restaurant and Media Award Finalists Announced [Grub Street NY]
Earlier: Park Tavern, AQ, Danny Bowien Land on James Beard Semi-Finalist List
