Once again, the Taste section has been named one of the three top newspaper food sections internationally by the Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards in Australia. One of our entries in the contest was the special Taste 40th birthday section, pictured here (I think that's probably what swayed them to our side this year!) The other two finalists, both from Australia, are the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Taste has been a contender in the finals since 2003 (alas, always the bridesmaid, never the bride); the winner has traditionally been from Australia.

We aren't the only Midwesterners to receive recognition. Wayne Gisslen of Long Lake, Minn., author of the comprehensive tome "Professional Cooking," is a finalist in the Hardcover Recipe Book (over Euro 35) category. You can read Rick Nelson's story about him here. Sue Zelickson of WCCO Radio is a finalist in the Best Food/Drink Radio Programme category for her Holiday Radio Special. Both Midwest Living and Better Homes & Gardens magazines are finalists in the Best Food and/or Drink Section in a Magazine.

The winner is announced in early May.