Bannos Jr., Dave Beran, Grace Win James Beard Awards

Three Chicagoans are bringing the "Oscars of food" medals back to town amidst a relatively light night for locals at last night's James Beard Awards in NYC. Jimmy Bannos Jr. of The Purple Pig picked up the Rising Star Chef of the Year award, Dave Beran (Next) was honored as the Best Chef: Great Lakes, continuing a run of awards, and Grace design firm Lawton Stanley Architects won the award for best restaurant design or renovation, 75 seats and under. Congratulations to all three.

Spiaggia (Outstanding Restaurant), Donnie Madia (Outstanding Restaurateur), Dana Cree (Outstanding Pastry Chef), Topolobampo (Outstanding Service), and The Violet Hour (Outstanding Bar Program) were among the locals denied awards by the foundation.

Head over to Eater National to see the full list of winners and give all the locals a warm welcome when they get back to town.
· All James Beard Awards Coverage [-ECHI-]
· Winners: 2014 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards [-E-]