Beard and . . .
By Andrew Zimmern
What would you do if you were a participating judge for the James Beard Awards this year? Let’s say you were a Twin Cities based adjudicator, fully versed in the work of the five nominees in our region. Three of those nominees are 112’s Isaac Becker, Alma’s and Brasa’s Alex Roberts, and Solera’s and LBV’s Tim McKee.
Do you vote for the kid from Milwaukee or Indianapolis? That would be a cop-out, and frankly, our three homeboys are all more deserving. Now the results don’t come out until June when the winners are announced in NYC, and for the umpteenth year in a row, I can’t make it because of a prior commitment, which bites. But I did have to vote for one of the lads, and I will be happy to share that with everyone at the last possible moment. But the question is, who would you vote for, and most importantly, why? Check out the James Beard website for all of the nominees in several categories.
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Want to see something hysterical? Check out the Deep End Dining website and the fun video that Eddie Lin and I made in Los Angeles last week.
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An finally, in what might be the most horrifying piece of news that has ever come across my desk, proving once again that there is no accounting for taste of any type. The Emmy nominations came out, and the she-devil of the Food Network garnered a nomination that I am sure she is so proud of:
Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling: Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, Food Network
As my friend Dan Barreiro says, you just can’t make this stuff up.
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I've been to 112, Brasa, LBV and Solera (not sure why I haven't gotten to Alma). With my other experiences in mind, I'd have to go with Tim McKee. The quality of LBV and Solera is just astounding. For him, this award is long over due.
On a side note, Tim's new Stillwater venture, Smalley's Caribbean BBQ, is set to open next week. I've known Shawn Smalley for a few years, and he is a phenomenal cook and a great person. I can't wait to try it.
Posted by: Eric on May 15, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I'm sure Sandra has a very nice, patient hair stylist who deserves recognition for making something out of nothing.
Posted by: flasky jameson on May 15, 2008 at 12:27 PM
112 is off the charts. Love how you never have to wonder if the kitchen is still open. Underrated dish there - the country style pork rib(s), with some sort of zippy gremolata deal on top.
But I'd have to give the nod to McKee. Solera and LBV are truly special. The entire "experience" at LBV in particular is second to none.
Posted by: Erik on May 16, 2008 at 9:40 AM
So now we're subjected to snippy hair comments from a bald guy who has a TV show about eating bugs?
Posted by: Dave S. on May 16, 2008 at 11:35 AM
It's nice when FN receives deserved recognition. Bravo, Sandra Lee's hair, bravo!
HEAD COUNT: Cafe 28, Mpls
Thursday, 5/15
90% full indoors, waiting list for outdoor seating
Posted by: Dante on May 16, 2008 at 2:26 PM
A nice list of restaurants, but one of them doesn't belong. I"m speaking of the overrated 112 eatery. I've been to 112 a half-dozen times, and honestly, it's squarely in the "very good column." Nothing wrong with that. But all the accolades and raves this place gets from the foodies aren't justified. The menu is awkward, and it's difficult to put together an interesting meal. I liked the mini-burger and the lamb chops and the brick chicken back in the day, but what else ya got 112? I'm thinking "not much." Prove me wrong..., and I'll return again. Until then, Solera and Alma are still my choice.
Posted by: True Story on May 17, 2008 at 5:23 PM
It's sad when someone on a "cooking" program gets nominated for hairstyling. Can someone please get her off the air before she hurts someone?
Posted by: Rafael on May 19, 2008 at 10:11 AM
She's certainly not going to be nominated for recipes greats like mole sauce using jarred spaghetti sauce, red wine, and semi-sweet chocolate chipsm which is then poured over new york strip steaks. I happened to catch this gem while waiting to trade in my DVR at the Comcast office.
Posted by: ah-ha on May 19, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Andrew,
the chefs in the Best Chef Midwest group do not include Indianapolis. That is Best Chef Great Lakes, for which no nominee is from IN. The other Chef you are refering to is from Kansas City. It still dosen't matter. Tim McKee should win hands down. It was B.S. that he didn't win last year. I believe the awards are Sunday, June 8. Keep tuned to see what happens.
Posted by: St. Paul on May 19, 2008 at 8:48 PM