Beard on Awards

Growing up Beard on Bread was a staple in our parent's kitchen. Bostonist has been familliar with James Beard and his books on almost anything available; outside cooking to eating better for less money. After James Beard’s death two decades ago Julia Child helped to create the James Beard Foundation to preserve and promulgate America's culinary heritage. Gothamist told us about the non-profit troubles that the foundation has gone through in the past year. Scandal and outrageous sponsorships aside, the James Beard Foundation has just handed out the 2005 awards and several locals have received a nod.

-Southern Wines & Spirits of New York America’s Classics, presented to locally owned and operated restaurants renowned for their timeless appeal and quality food was presented to the South End favorite hash bar (Turkey Hash, that is) Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe. If you didn’t catch that the category was America’s Classics. There were four winners. Boston edged out anything on the Eastern Seaboard (unless you count Louisiana).

-Boston’s James Barondess won honor in Outstanding Restaurant Graphics for design at The Butcher Shop. The award went to an establishment who executed graphics since January 1, 2001. Minimalist seems to be still in vogue. Its fitting The Butcher Shop won for the looks, with their prices Bostonist has only looked.

-Over the river in Cambridge Ana Sortun of Oleana earned perhaps the most prestigious honor of the bunch: American Express Best Chef in America for the Northeast. Of course they gave New York City it's own "region" so Gothamist doesn't have to worry about competing in the same category.