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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 25 > Entry
James Beard nods announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta may have lost a few of its greatest chefs to the Big Apple recently, but the 2008 James Beard Award nominations are no evidence. Announced Monday, the awards are considered the “Oscars” of the food world.
Courting the idea of the new Southern food movement, the awards have given our area three nominees for best chef Southeast: Hugh Acheson (pictured) of Five & Ten in Athens (The AJC’s 2007 restaurant of the year); Arnaud Berthelier of the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead; and Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene. Charleston, S.C., rounds out the list, with Mike Lata of Fig and Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill boasting nominations as well.
It is the first nomination for Hopkins. Berthelier and Acheson repeat their nominations from the same category last year. Acheson and Hopkins have helped define the Southern food movement in modern-day dining rooms, elevating seasonal ingredients and slow cooking into a fine dining experience. Berthelier is noted for his technical prowess and exciting flavor profiles.
“It’s all good,” said Acheson by phone from Athens; he was cooking at the Beard House in New York last Saturday night with colleagues Joe Truex and Mihoko Obunai from Atlanta’s Repast restaurant. “It’s always fun to be around all these incredible chefs at the awards dinner,” said Acheson, “but at the end of the day, life goes on. I’m just happy to see the maturation of the Southern food movement get some recognition.”
“It’s awesome,” exclaimed Hopkins. “It’s such an honor to be included. But now I know I’ve got to be even better. Being nominated changes things — it makes me feel such a part of something bigger.”
The awards will be announced at a ceremony in New York on June 8.
OVERSCENE
Between performing sold-out shows at the Fox Theatre, comic and actor Chris Rock “dressed in all black with matching hat” catching a matinee of the Lionsgate film “The Bank Job” at AMC Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.
Members of the Allman Brothers Band, including Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks and his wife, singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi, along with 10 other band members, agents and friends dining in the private board room of the Lobster Bar in Buckhead. Greg Allman was under the weather and did not join the group. We hear the band is in town rehearsing for a 15-night set of shows at the Beacon Theater in New York, starting May 5.
The Piedmont Park rockers feasted on signature bone-in ribeyes and filets, king crab and oysters on the half shell.
Oscar winner and G-CAPP founder Jane Fonda celebrating Easter with dinner at Trois. Eatery reps dish that Fonda enjoyed the salad a la mode and striped bass, along with the Trois signature Cocktail infused with green tea and mint.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Movie critic Gene Shalit is 76. Singer Aretha Franklin is 66. Musician Elton John is 61. Actress Brenda Strong (“Desperate Housewives”) is 48. Actress Marcia Cross (“Desperate Housewives”) is 46. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is 43.
COUPLING
Former 99X midday guy Steve Craig married former radio promotions director Kara Jensen over the weekend. Ex-99Xer Sean Demery — Craig’s best friend for 30 years — served as best man. Pals Big Mike Geier and Tongo Hiti provided the entertainment, and many of Craig’s former co-workers turned up for the nups. Before setting out for a Caribbean honeymoon, the couple enjoyed “flaming rum drinks” at Trader Vic’s downtown.
Contributing: Meridith Ford, Bob Longino and news services
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