Third time was not the charm for Bluestem owner Colby Garrelts. He flies home to Kansas City without a James Beard Award once more. On the plus side, he's probably guaranteed another trip to New York City next year.
The winner of the best chef Midwest went to Tim McKee from Le Belle Vie in Minneapolis (pictured with his award) who Twittered that he thinks: "It's fantastic that we're finally bringing something back for Minneapolis." It's the first time any restaurant in Minnesota has won a James Beard award and it was also McKee's third nomination.
Hopefully Garrelts is taking the news in stride. Last month he said he really wasn't worried about winning and I believe him. "I don't get nervous about winning. I was more nervous about being
nominated. That's the important part, to keep being nominated."
Scanning the James Beard blog last night I noticed this one-sentence review of Debbie Gold's dish at the event: "Debbie Gold's cured bone marrow on mustard croutons with parsley
and ramps -- you know the taste of pork belly? Imagine that with the
texture of an olive-oil grilled crouton. Add a quick shot of mustard."
And lest you think I was lying about Richard Gere, here's a pic of him at the dinner.
When Gold and Garrelts get back to town, Fat City will be sure to ask them about their experiences this year.
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Danica Pollard, Pastry Chef at Lidia's helped to represent Kansas City as one of the Chefs at the James Beard Gala. Her dessert sounded unbeilvable and I have already read some online comments on how impressive it was. Can't wait for a trip to Crossroads to sample some of Pollards newest desserts. Man, is she talented, Nobu was probably so sorry to see her go!
Pete - Nail on the head. Talking to the people at Bluestem last night, you either have to be right place/right time or (more likely) huge amounts of politics.
It would be nice if the Beard foundation nominated other chefs in Kansas City beside Colby and other chefs associated with the American restaurant. There are many more chefs in the area doing a fantastic job that have done a lot more for Kansas City's dinning scene! But hey the Beard org. is known for hammering the same names over and over again. It's all about hiring a PR firm and greasing the palms. It's all really sad, maybe next year Krauses, Justus, Blanc, Rm 39, Starker's, and the list goes on & on that serves outstanding food to the masses will rise to the top.
It's a shame Colby didn't win, but I think he has the right attitude with "it's an honor just to be nominated". I can't imagine picking a winner is more than a crapshoot at best.
I will be visiting Bluestem tonight for my anniversary dinner. I can't wait!
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