Richard Gere, every celebrity chef in the world but no award for Bluestem at James Beard event

Third time was not the charm for Bluestem owner Colby Garrelts. He flies home to Kansas City without a James Beard Award once more. On the plus side, he’s probably guaranteed another trip to New York City next year.

The winner of the best chef Midwest went to Tim McKee from Le Belle Vie in Minneapolis (pictured with his award) who Twittered that he thinks: “It’s fantastic that we’re finally bringing something back for Minneapolis.” It’s the first time any restaurant in Minnesota has won a James Beard award and it was also McKee’s third nomination.

Hopefully Garrelts is taking the news in stride. Last month he said he really wasn’t worried about winning and I believe him. “I don’t get nervous about winning. I was more nervous about being

nominated. That’s the important part, to keep being nominated.”

Scanning the James Beard blog last night I noticed this one-sentence review of Debbie Gold’s dish at the event: “Debbie Gold’s cured bone marrow on mustard croutons with parsley

and ramps — you know the taste of pork belly? Imagine that with the

texture of an olive-oil grilled crouton. Add a quick shot of mustard.”

And lest you think I was lying about Richard Gere, here’s a pic of him at the dinner.

When Gold and Garrelts get back to town, Fat City will be sure to ask them about their experiences this year.