Big Winners at the 'Oscars of Food'

The nation's top foodies descended upon Chicago on Monday night to anoint the elite of their ranks vis a vis the James Beard Awards, reports the New York Times. The so-called "Oscars of food" honored some of the top chefs, restaurants, and restaurateurs in the country. A look at the national award highlights:

• Outstanding Chef: Michael Tusk, Quince, San Francisco
• Outstanding Restaurant: Kalaya, Philadelphia
• Outstanding Restaurateur: Dana Street; Fore Street, Scales, and Standard Baking Company, Portland, Maine

• Best New Restaurant: Lei, New York City
• Emerging Chef: Adrian Torres, Maximo, Houston, Texas
• Outstanding Hospitality: Providence, Los Angeles
• Outstanding Bakery: Wild Crumb, Bozeman, Mont.
• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, DC
• Outstanding Bar: Scotch Lodge, Portland, Ore.
• Best New Bar (new category): Loma, Providence, RI