nominees were released today, and, in a complete shocker, Minneapolis dominates the Best Chef Midwest category: Isaac Becker from 112 Eatery, Tim McKee from La Belle Vie, and Alex Roberts of Alma are all nominated, along with Milwaukee’s Adam Siegel and Kansas City’s Colby Garrelts.
So, now the question is: Will the Minneapolis people split the vote between them—leaving someone from Milwaukee or Kansas City to win—or will one of our hometown heroes take the prize?
I tried calling all the nominated chefs, but everyone was out celebrating. Good for them. I predict a citywide run on comp’ed champagne tonight.
Of course, this isn’t just good news for the nominated chefs—it’s good news for every sous chef and line cook under them, as working at a James Beard-nominated restaurant immediately boosts employability. It’s also good news for Minneapolis in general. The country at large is recognizing what a fantastic restaurant scene we really have here. I’m grinning from ear to ear.
Hip, hip, hooray, Minneapolis!
La Belle Vie
510 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis
612-874-6440
www.labellevie.us
112 Eatery
112 Third St. N., Minneapolis
612-343-7696
www.112eatery.com
Restaurant Alma
528 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis
612-379-4909
www.restaurantalma.com
