James Beard Foundation presents 2016 awards

The James Beard Foundation Awards took place last night in Chicago, with some familiar names, as well as some new restaurants taking home honors in what’s sometimes called “The Academy Awards of the culinary world.” It was hosted by Carla Hall, co-host of the television show "The Chew" and former "Top Chef" contestant.

The often-nominated and much-lauded Alinea in Chicago, whose chef Grant Achatz won the foundation’s 2008 Outstanding Chef honors, captured the coveted Outstanding Restaurant award for 2016. Alinea, home to Achatz’s innovative molecular gastronomy, has earned other Beard awards in recent years, but never the top honors. Accepting the award, Achatz thanked his team and praised them for "taking the risk to innovate."

The Outstanding Restaurateur award went to Ken Friedman of The Spotted Pig, The Breslin and Tosca Cafe in New York.

Once the domain of Manhattan restaurants, a significant number of West Coast professionals and operations have been recognized by the Beard Foundation in recent years.

Suzanne Goin of Lucques, Los Angeles, received the top culinary honor, Outstanding Chef. Addressing her staff upon receiving her medal, Goin said, "Everyone pop open a bottle of Champagne. It happened."

Marcus Samuelson, Tony Montuano and Andrew Zimmern at last night's James Beard Foundation awards. (Photo: Mike Sanson)

New York-based celebrity chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, who was added to the foundation's elite "Who's Who" list last night, said the geographic diversity of this year’s batch of winners is due in part to the use of social media. "What you're seeing tonight is an evolution of the last 15 years," said Samuelsson.

The South was represented as well. Shaya in New Orleans, which serves modern Israeli food, took home Best New Restaurant honors. Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa won Outstanding Wine Program, and Ron Cooper of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal in Ranchos de Taos, NM, was named Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional.

Other highlights included the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement award to Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine” at Dooky Case's Restaurant in New Orleans.

This year's Rising Star Chef was Daniela Soto-Innes of Cosme in New York. The Outstanding Service award was presented to Eleven Madison Park in New York. Maison Premiere in Brooklyn won Outstanding Bar Program.

See the James Beard Foundation’s website for a complete list of winners as well as photo and video highlights from last night’s event.