WTF, man.
Among the 7 James Beard Foundation Award finalists from LA this year, zero—zero!—were named winners at the awards ceremony last night. Held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and hosted by Alton Brown, the awards were overwhelmingly doled out to New York restaurants and chefs, snubbing Petit Trois, Ari Taymor, Suzanne Goin and more. Instead, the major awards went to the following:
Outstanding Chef: Michael Anthony, Gramercy Tavern, NYC
Outstanding Restaurant: Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, NY
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Christina Tosi, Momofuku, NYC
Outstanding Baker: Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery, NYC
Outstanding Bar Program: The Violet Hour, Chicago
Best New Restaurant: Bâtard, NYC
Rising Star Chef: Jessica Largey, Manresa, Los Gatos, CA
OK. We get it. New York has great restaurants, and Chicago's bar scene is at the top of its game. But what about Ludo's Petit Trois, which has won over pretty much all of LA; or Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, nominated for Best Chef: West, who have had their hand in some of LA's best restaurants and have continued to bestow phenomenal food on our city (Have you been to Jon & Vinny's yet?)?
We feel ya, guys:
Despite the letdown, it's important to remember Guelaguetza's huge achievement for being named a James Beard America's Classic Award honoree back in February. And perhaps next year, we'll see more wins from the best coast. Here's hoping.
For a full list of the 2015 James Beard Foundation Award winners, go here.