We knew coming into this that Chicago would win at least one James Beard Award (we swept the Best Chef Great Lakes category, after all), but we're excited to announce that we had not just one, but three winners from the prestigious awards (Chicago racked up 14 nominations in total, with some in the same category) presented at the Lyric Opera tonight.
Alinea won outstanding restaurant for the first time, and the group took the stage with no lack of fanfare, accepting the award to the Game of Thrones theme song. The restaurant has been remodeling for a few months and will reopen in a few weeks—complete with a new menu and remodeled interior.
During the black-tie affair, Mayor Rahm Emanuel also took the opportunity to throw out a few jabs, saying, "You know how we count votes in Chicago—so we won, you all may as well go home."
Chicago's winners:
Best Chef Great Lakes:
Curtis Duffy, Grace
Outstanding Restaurant:
Alinea
Restaurant Design, 76 seats and over:
Land & Sea Dept., Cherry Circle Room
Find the complete list of James Beard Award winners here.