James Beard Awards Tonight; Lots of Chicago Talent Here

There have already been more parties, after-parties and cocktail receptions than I can count. The four day-long slog that has become Beard Weekend began on Friday (where Chicago’s Nina Barrett and Mike Sula picked up medallions for their work at WBEZ and The Reader, respectively) and has wound its way through a series of events, including last night’s “Chef’s Night Out” party, which took place in the massive food hall below The Plaza Hotel. Tonight, it’s time for the Chef/Restaurant awards, and there will be 13 Chicagoans paying extra close attention. As always, I’ll be the only Chicago reporter here grabbing on camera interviews with the winners, so be sure to check back here or abc7chicago.com for the details. Here are the folks we’ll be keeping an eye on, with their respective categories of nomination:

Great Lakes Chef: Dave Beran (Next), Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat), Paul Virant (Vie), Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia).

Best New Restaurant: Grace (Curtis Duffy).

Bar Program: The Aviary, Violet Hour.

Best Service: Topolobampo

Outstanding Restaurateur: Donnie Madia

Rising Star: Jimmy Bannos, Jr. (The Purple Pig), David Posey (Blackbird)

Outstanding Restaurant in U.S.: Spiaggia

Best Chef in U.S.: Paul Kahan

Good luck to all of the nominees.