Kim Cattrall (yes, that Kim) and Bobby Flay co-hosted the James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony last night, at a star-studded red-carpet event at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. Some notable winners from last night include:

  • Danny Mayer’s Gramercy Tavern (NYC) – Outstanding Restaurant
  • Central Michel Richard (Washington, D.C) – Best New Restaurant
  • Gavin Kaysen, Cafe Bould (NYC) – Rising Star Chef of the Year
  • The River Cottage Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (Ten Speed Press) – Cookbook of the Year
  • Eleven Madison Park (NYC) – Outstanding Wine Service
  • A special note about my friend Peter Reinhart’s Whole Grain Breads: New Techniques, Extraordinary Flavor (Ten Speed Press) winning the best Baking and Dessert cookbook

For the complete listing of all winners visit JamesBeard.org

The eating frenzy that followed the very long (over three hours!!) ceremony celebrated “Artisanal America: the Craft of Cuisine” and included samplings from over 30 chefs from across the country for the over 1800 foodies who attended the gala. Some delectables included:

  • Alexandra Guarnaschelli: Salt-Cured Local Foie Gras with Warm Strawberry-BlackTB_JBAwards1.jpg Pepper Jam and Arugula **
  • Scott Peacock: Buttermilk Biscuit with Sweet Butter, Country Ham and Homemade Georgia Strawberry Preserves
  • Sam Hayward: Maine Finnan Haddie Chowder
  • Mourad Lahou: Bodeda Goat Cheese with Tomato-Citrus Jam, Pistachios and Argan Oil**
  • Peter Hoffman: Rabbit Roulade with Fava Bean, Mint and Olive SaladTB_JBAwards2.jpg

**PS: As you may have noticed from these food photos, the tastings weren’t served on china – but on disposable (wood-like — not styrofoam) plates, served with a wooden fork. Unfortunately, the food doesn’t look very attractive….but trust me — some were quite spectacular tasting!