ELV and his super-sleuthing staff have just learned that the James Beard Foundation is returning to Las Vegas, after a three year absence, to announce the Finalists for its 2012 Restaurant Awards.
The announcement will be made at the Venetian/Palazzo on Monday, March 19th, and will be followed later that evening by a “Friends of James Beard Foundation” benefit dinner, to be hosted by the hotel, to raise money for the Foundation’s scholarship program.
Those of you with long memories might remember the last JBF fundraising dinner/auction of three years ago, right as the depression was hitting our humble burg with the force of a category 5 hurricane.
ELV remembers because he was the auctioneer — trying to make the best of a bad situation — when precious few folks felt like dipping into their wallets (for good reason). Here’s hoping the economic tide has turned enough to make this a big win/win for our culinary scene, and its continuing evolution as a main player on the national gastronomic stage.
Last year the James Beard made their announcement in Portland, Oregon. The event sold out incredibly quickly; I think within a few days. Every Portland chef who had ever been nominated for a Beard Award was invited to prepare a dish for the event.
I wish I could come to the Las Vegas event because it will probably be a not-to-be-missed event.
By the way, Happy Holidays, Mr. Curtas.
It makes sense to announce at Venetian/Palazzo since it has Five James Beard Awardee’s including Mario Batali.