Michael Smith, Bluestem chefs honored by James Beard Foundation
| Restaurant Michael Smith owners Nancy and chef Michael Smith |
Chef Michael Smith, who co-owns both his namesake Crossroads restaurant and the newly opened Extra Virgin with his wife, Nancy, was honored this morning by the New York-based James Beard Foundation as a semifinalist in the “Outstanding Chef” category for the 2009 James Beard Awards. The list of semifinalists released today also includes Colby Garrelts, of Bluestem Restaurant, in the “Best Chef: Midwest” category.
The final nominees in each category will be announced on March 23; the winners will be named at the annual James Beard Foundation Awards Dinner in New York on Monday, May 4.
Michael Smith has won a prestigious James Beard Award before. In 1999, when he shared the role of Executive Chef ” at The American Restaurant with former wife Debbie Gold, the chef team won in the “Best Chef: Midwest” category. Since closing 40 Sardines restaurant, Gold returned to The American Restaurant last year.
Colby Garrelts was previously nominated for a James Beard Award in the same category, “Best Chef: Midwest,” last year.
