Wondering why your favorite chef or restaurant didn't get a nomination for this year's James Beard Awards? Jennifer Leuzzi says there are requirements for nomination: Yosuke Suga, chef at L'Atelier de Robuchon, is surely one of the best chefs in NYC, yes? But he cannot be nominated for a regional award because he has not been in NYC for three years. He will be eligible in 2009. However, if he changes venues, say moves to the Mansion in Las Vegas, the three year regional clock will start anew.Grant Achatz's Alinea in Chicago was rated the number one restaurant in the country by Gourmet Magazine, so shouldn't it be a contender for Outstanding Restaurant? Yes, but Outstanding Restaurant nominees must have... More

Chicagoist has a really fantastic interview with Grant Achatz of Chicago's highly-acclaimed Alinea, talking about all sorts of things like his philosophy as a chef and restauranteur, and how his creative process works in his kitchen and with his colleagues. This was my favorite thing to read: C: What food-related websites or media do you keep an eye on, for ideas and feedback?GA: I do it a lot less now, but I used to be really into all the blogs, like eGullet, LTHForum, all of those. I don’t read them so much anymore, I don’t know why. I feel that some of it is that they’re losing some credibility. There’s a lot of good, honest material there, then there’s a... More