2016 Chicago Jean Banchet Awards for Cystic Fibrosis
This is my 4th year attending the Jean Banchet Awards for Cystic Fibrosis which used to be combined with the gala and auction and is one of my favorite food events of the year. The gala and auction will be held January 29th.
It was an inspiring evening for Chicago’s culinary community with a phenomenal hosting performance by Michael Muser. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. You are memory makers. You are where we go to celebrate, to be with family, to catch up with friends, to do business or where we go alone to feel less alone. You work tirelessly so we can feel less tired. Thank you for giving us all your dreams. 👊
Jean Banchet Awards
– Champagne Reception sponsored by Ferrari and Steelite International
– Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence – Master of Ceremonies: Michael Muser, Grace Restaurant
– Post Awards Party featuring open bar, music, dancing and late night favorites from Antique Taco, Bar Toma, Cemitas Puebla, Chicago’s Dog House, Chop Shop, Gibsons Steakhouse, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, Peninsula Chicago, Pork and Mindy’s and Shake Shack.
I wish I took even more photos at the reception and the party but I forgot!
Reception
Oops! Forgot to take photos. Galdones Photography to the rescue!

Awards
Rising Pastry Chef of the Year
Angela Diaz of Owen and Engine
Marjorie Easley of The Blanchard
Aya Fukai of Sixteen
WINNER: Kelly Helgesen of Lula Cafe
Rising Chef of the Year
Ashlee Aubin of Salero
Thomas Rice and Kurt Guzowski of Tete Charcuterie
Jason Vaughan of Pub Royale
WINNER: Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark of Parachute
Best Restaurant Service
BOKA
El Ideas
Formento’s
WINNER: Billy Sunday




Best Mixologist
Dustin Drankiewicz of The Promontory, Dusek’s and Punch House
Jason Lerner of Masa Azul
Liz Pearce of The Drifter
WINNER: Jacyara De Oliveira of Sportsman’s Club
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Osteria Langhe
The Radler
Three Aces
WINNER: mfk.
Best Sommelier
Nathan Adams of Boeufhaus
Jill Gubesch of Topolobampo and Frontera Grill
Steve Morgan of Formento’s
WINNER: Elizabeth Mendez of Vera
Best Chef-de-Cuisine
Dennis Bernard of Dove’s Luncheonette
David Fingerman of Graham Elliot Bistro
Ed Sura of Perennial Virant
WINNER: Tony Quartaro of Formento’s
Best Ethnic Restaurant
Andy’s Thai Kitchen
Furious Spoon
Shokran
WINNER: Birrieria Zaragoza
Best Restaurant Design
3Arts Club
Fulton Market Kitchen
Swift & Sons
WINNER: Cherry Circle Room

Best New Restaurant
BoeufHaus
Bom Bolla
Momotaro
WINNER: The Blanchard
Pastry Chef of the Year
Lisa Bonjour of mk
Meg Galus of Boka
Chris Teixeira of West Town Bakery
WINNER: Sandra Holl of Floriole
Chef of the Year
Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice
Phillip Foss of El Ideas
Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia
WINNER: Chris Pandel of Bristol and Balena of B. Hospitality
Restaurant of the Year
El Ideas
INTRO
Parachute
WINNER: Fat Rice
Party Time
I took only these two photos, but everyone looked great!


And then we danced the night away…
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