Social Media Takes Center Stage at the James Beard Awards

Chicago chefs and restaurant workers are likely still recovering today from the 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards. Last night’s star-studded event brought in big names from around the world to celebrate the achievements of the industry’s best and brightest. In keeping with the theme of the evening, which was ‘social media,’ here’s what people had to say about it on the digital front.

Topolobampo was one of the night’s biggest winners.

Rick Bayless tearfully thanked his team and gave an impassioned acceptance speech that recognized the efforts of immigrants in kitchens everywhere.

Local restaurants and chefs offered their congrats.

While others had ideas for a Bayless-Dos Equis collaboration.

That wasn’t the only award that Chicago chefs received, though. Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde beat the field for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region.

Fortunately, there weren’t any Oscars-like mishaps with the envelopes.

On the red carpet and backstage, attendees were dressed to the nines.

Host Jesse Tyler Ferguson changed attires several times throughout the show to varying degrees of success.

Afterwards, the big names hit the town and attended after-parties at hotspots like Roister.

Grant Achatz also hosted a special dinner at Alinea for out-of-towners, including Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller, the night before the Awards.

And finally, everyone was in good spirits at Leña Brava as Bayless and Grueneberg celebrated their wins by dancing the night away. #Chicago indeed.