It may seem like a kindergarten pageant….you know, like the kind where everyone gets an award….but a lot of work, thought and teeth gnashing goes into culling the herd of meritorious contenders into the following semifinalists for recognition by the Oscars of the food world.

We at ELV are proud of the increased recognition of Las Vegas’s culinary talent pool represented by these nominations, and have highlighted the deserving nominees below.

Congratulations to: Saipin Chutima (Lotus of Siam), Claude Le Tohic (Joel Robuchon), Kamel Guechida (Joel Robuchon), Paul Bartolotta (Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare), Robert Smith (Picasso), Mitsuo Endo (Raku), Vannessa Garcia (Restaurant Charlie), Sarah Kosikowski (Michael Mina), and the entire crews at Le Cirque and NobHill Tavern, for their worthy nominations

And in the spirit of boosterism and enthusiasm for which he is known, ELV hereby confidently proclaims that no other nominees can hold a candle to our own. (A complete list of all nominees is available after the jump.)

FYI: Finalists will be announced in Chicago at Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill on March 23rd (the first time this has ever happened outside of New York) and the main event is May 4th in the Big Apple. Stay tuned.

Continue reading “James Beard Awards – Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists 2009”