2013 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Emeril Lagasse

by Nicole Citron on May 06, 2013

This award is given to an individual or organization working in the realm of food who has given selflessly and worked tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large.

Critically acclaimed for his interpretation of Creole and Cajun cuisine and nationally adored as an enthusiastic TV personality, Emeril Lagasse first kicked American cuisine up a notch at Emeril’s Restaurant in New Orleans three decades ago. Since then he has opened 12 additional restaurants, published 17 cookbooks, seen his catchphrases work their way into the vernacular, and extended his brand with kitchen and food products. While his empire grew, the JBF Award–winning chef also applied the values that lie at the heart of the hospitality industry to his philanthropic mission: youth advocacy in the communities where his restaurants operate.

“Inspire, mentor, enable” declares the tagline for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation (ELF), which has raised $5.3 million for children’s education and culinary arts programs in New... Read more >

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Winner Recap!

by JBF Editors on May 06, 2013

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Danny Bowien, Mission Chinese Food, San Francisco and NYC

America’s Classic: Keens Steakhouse, NYC

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional: Merry Edwards, Merry Edwards Winery, Sebastopol, CA

Outstanding Wine Program: Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO

Outstanding Bar Program: The Aviary, Chicago

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Gala Chef Q & A: JBF Award Winner Marcus Samuelsson

by JBF Editors on May 06, 2013

JBF Award Winner Marcus Samuelsson, Red Rooster Harlem, NYC

What’s your favorite movie, and why?

I like the movie Casino because the acting is so great and all the characters are fantastic. A Thin Red Line is also a favorite. The cinematography is so beautiful.

Describe the last great meal you ate.

I took my wife for her first meal at Nobu recently. Nobu was there and he cooked lunch for us. It was special to be able to share it with her, and the food was incredible, as always. The flavors are spot-on every time.

What’s the dish you’re most proud of?

I am most proud of my grandmother’s meatballs, a dish that I serve at Red Rooster. Her cooking is the reason why I do this.

What’s your favorite movie snack?

Either plain salted peanuts or there’s also a mix of Ethiopian peanuts and barley that is especially s... Read more >

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America's Classic: Keens Steakhouse

by JBF Editors on May 06, 2013

72 W. 36th Street, NYC 
Owner: George Schwarz

New York City specializes in new restaurants, not old ones, and local interest in them is generally measured in months instead of years. So it’s nothing short of astonishing that a 120-something-year-old restaurant has managed to stay both relevant and wildly popular in the middle of Manhattan.

Albert Keen, a theater producer, opened the restaurant in 1885, when the Herald Square Theatre District thrived. Actors came in for a drink between acts. Today, the walls are decorated with over 50,000 clay pipes, donated by celebrated customers like Teddy Roosevelt and Albert Einstein, souvenirs from an era when smoke clouded many restaurants. George Schwarz, the current owner, took over in the late 1970s, investing much money and sweat equity in reviving the restaurant.

What Keens has always done well is to age and grill meat. It was one of the first restaurants to dry... Read more >

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