The James Beard Foundation awards are on Monday. Celebrate with a meal prepared by a Beard award-winning chef.
112 Eatery
After chef/owner Isaac Becker heard his name called out as the winner of the 2011 Best Chef: Midwest award, he insisted that his wife and business partner, Nancy St. Pierre, accompany him to the stage. It was a lovely moment, and perfectly indicative of why the 112 was — and continues to be — such a strong standard-setter, notable for Becker's vivacious cooking and St. Pierre's gracious hospitality.
112 N. 3rd St., Mpls., 612-343-7696, 112eatery.com
Restaurant Alma
When chef/owner Alex Roberts was named Best Chef: Midwest in 2010, his reaction was quintessentially Minnesotan: "We don't think of ourselves as the best in the Midwest, but we'll certainly do our best," he said. Six years later, this four-star operation, with its emphasis on local, seasonal fare, still quietly manages to do better than its best. Check out the delicious new (Monday through Thursday) bar menu.
528 University Av. SE., Mpls., 612-379-4909, restaurantalma.com
Spoon and Stable
While he was cooking at New York City's Cafe Boulud, S&S chef/owner Gavin Kaysen was named the Beard's 2008 Rising Star Chef of the Year, awarded to individuals age 30 or younger who display "an impressive talent and are likely to make a significant impact on the industry in years to come." They sure got that one right, didn't they?
211 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-224-9850, spoonandstable.com
