I wasn't able to talk to Colby Garrelts on Monday because his restaurant Bluestem was closed, but I did get a hold of him yesterday. He sounded winded, which is to be expected from a man trying to prep a large dinner while fielding dozens of congratulation calls. "It's a little stressful but it's awesome," he said, referring to the fact that he'd been named a James Beard finalist for the third time. He and his wife and co-owner, Megan, "know what to expect from New York, where to stay, where
From the back clockwise: Bastianich, director of sales Michael Naegele, director of operations Jason Connor, executive chef Dan Swinney Yesterday, Lidia Bastianich was in town lending her time and fame to the KCPT pledge drive and promoting her restaurant. I stopped by Lidia's Restaurant in the afternoon right after she had finished a luncheon with more than 100 of her fans. As the last of her lunch guests left, a small lady showing a little cleavage came out and there was no mistaking her. Lidi
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 B
10) "I don't drink water. Fish fuck in it." -- W.C. Fields.9) "A gourmet who thinks about calories is like a tart who looks at her watch." -- James Beard
8) "Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying." -- Fran Lebowitz
7) "I judge a restaurant by the bread and by the coffee." -- Burt Lancaster
6) "One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well unless one has dined well." -- Virgina Woolf
5) "Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it Fren
