2016 Chicago Jean Banchet Awards for Cystic Fibrosis

In Chicago, Food & Beverages January 17, 2016

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

In Memorium: Trevor Rose-Hamblin for Homaro Cantu. — **In Memorium:** Trevor Rose-Hamblin for Homaro Cantu.

In Memorium: Michael Gebert for Max Sevier and James Lemons — **In Memorium:** Michael Gebert for Max Sevier and James Lemons

In Memorium: Mari Katsumura for her father, Yoshi Katsumura. — **In Memorium:** Mari Katsumura for her father, Yoshi Katsumura.

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

Jean Banquet Culinary Achievement AwardCarrie Nahabedian of Naha and Brindille — Jean Banquet Culinary Achievement Award to Carrie Nahabedian of Naha and Brindille

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