James Beard Nod
Published in Widowism by chefswidowI remember early on in my relationship with the Chef being asked about James Beard. ‘Had my Chef ever cooked at the house?’ a friend inquired as we sipped on our martini’s at Kitchen 22. Not having a clue what or who a James Beard was I quickly answered no and changed the subject.
After moving back to Cleveland, I found out who and what a James Beard was. The Chef had just started working with Michael Symon when Symon was announced as a nominee. My Chef came home over the moon for his new boss. His smile wide, he explained to me the importance of James Beard. ‘It’s like the Oscars of the food world, the best of the best’ he said.
Symon won Best Chef Great Lakes that year and as most of us all know has gone on to do amazing things with his career. My Chef, has been on the long list numerous times as a rising star but never a Best Chef.
That is, until now.
Yesterday I found myself perusing the semi finalist list for the 2012 James Beard Awards. So many friends (congrats Jason!) on the list made my search for my Chef’s name seem like hours. A nervous rumbling began in my stomach as my finger moved under the Great Lakes heading. Moving my eyes slowly down the list until my rumbling stomach turned gleeful and I saw the name that I am forever connected to.
There he was, surrounded by his peers: chefs he looks up to, chefs that inspire him. His name squeezed in between so many of the greats!
As someone who has watched him work harder than anyone I know, I can easily say I couldn’t be prouder. If you know the Chef, then you know why he is so deserving. Congrats my Johnny! You rock mah casbah.
You can find the complete list of James Beard Foundation Awards Semi -Finalists here.
I am so thrilled for him and for you. Makes me so happy to see someone getting the accolades he deserves. He works hard, you work hard – The passion you two have for your business is amazing. The entire city of Clevleand is cheering you on.
This is awesome. Being with a Chef from Cleveland we are rooting for him. What an incredible honor. Chefs are so damn hardworking and yet they never seek accolades. They do what they do a billion hours a week because they love their craft. They eat, sleep and dream food. They are obsessed and we are obsessed with our Chefs
With all that being said, fingers crossed and positive energy from this Chefs girl and her Chef in Illinois. May he win what he so rightly deserves!
Congratulations!
That’s really awesome! Congrats! He definitely deserves it!
I was thrilled when I saw john was nominated. The thing about chef Sawyer is he works so hard. He is such a great chef but an equally great human. He respects food, his family and the planet. I am honored to call him a friend. I hope he wins because he is very deserving.