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Actually, it's rather embarrassing that a city that thinks of itself as a nationwide culinary leader like Houston hasn't produced another chef recognized by the James Beard Foundation in the Southwest division since 1992. Did you verify that?! It really surprises me.
In the Southwest division, Houston's only real competition should be Dallas.
Yes, several other articles also site that it is the first win for a Houston chef since 1992. There are a couple of other categories beside best chef. The award started in 1990.
The southwest division includes Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado as well. Las Vegas chefs have done quit well and Austin chefs have won a couple as well
Location: Baghdad by the Bay (San Francisco, California)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Lance
Yes, several other articles also site that it is the first win for a Houston chef since 1992. There are a couple of other categories beside best chef. The award started in 1990.
The southwest division includes Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado as well.
I'm aware of what the division includes. Besides Vegas, what city in that group is a culinary leader? I still say it's only Dallas. With that in mind, what restaurants in Vegas are producing leading chefs or original cuisine, as opposed to importing from NYC, LA and SF? The answer is, not many. Houston should be walking away with these awards every year, right?
Both top national awards (outstanding restaurant and outstanding chef) went to California restaurants this year. Incidentally, it was the second time in three years that a San Francisco restaurant garnered the national nod.
I'm aware of what the division includes. Besides Vegas, what city in that group is a culinary leader? I still say it's only Dallas. With that in mind, what restaurants in Vegas are producing leading chefs or original cuisine, as opposed to importing from NYC, LA and SF? The answer is, not many. Houston should be walking away with these awards every year, right?
Both top national awards (outstanding restaurant and outstanding chef) went to California restaurants this year. Incidentally, it was the second time in three years that a San Francisco restaurant garnered the national nod.
Are you saying Houston is getting cheated? or are you saying Houston is not the restaurant Mecca it claims to be?
I can't find a historical list of past winners, so I can't tell you if any particular city is dominating these awards. Also keep in mind these awards are a little like judging ice skating
Location: Baghdad by the Bay (San Francisco, California)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Lance
Are you saying Houston is getting cheated? or are you saying Houston is not the restaurant Mecca it claims to be?
I can't find a historical list of past winners, so I can't tell you if any particular city is dominating these awards. Also keep in mind these awards are a little like judging ice skating
You are acting as if you just discovered the James Beard Foundation Awards. This isn't some Forbes list. They have no agenda. So, no, I don't think Houston is being cheated. I think they are not at the level they think they are yet. In over 20 years, they haven't even shown they can compete in a very weak division.
I really don't think Houston losses much sleep because of its underdeveloped tourist industry. When locals talk about diversification of the economy rarely if ever will anybody suggest that we spend any great effort developing tourism in Houston. We have some great local recreational amenities but they are for the most part what most would consider regional attractions and Houston is OK with that. After living here for 26 years I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. But all people say is Houston should do "something" with vague references to walkability what does "something" mean? and are you so sure there is something that people will accept as unique if it is built in Houston. We built the Astrodome and now nobody seems to care about that. If the Dome had been built in another city I bet it would be considered a shrine by now
If people are not impressed with the iconic structures in the city I understand , but people are often wrong or overlook the obvious, maybe it is Houston fault for not promoting these images better but it doesn't mean they are without merit just because "people don't recognize their significance.
Houston is NOT ok with it I can assure you. It's at the top of every municipal administrative body to lure visitors. Tourism dollars are more significant than you think. Houston is a big city but if it ever wants to elevate itself to world class status it must have a tourism base set in place, otherwise Houston will be just another large city with no unique identity.
You are acting as if you just discovered the James Beard Foundation Awards. This isn't some Forbes list. They have no agenda. So, no, I don't think Houston is being cheated. I think they are not at the level they think they are yet. In over 20 years, they haven't even shown they can compete in a very weak division.
Well there are other restaurant awards.
Award-Winning Restaurants
The best of the best
We don't mean to brag, but it's hard not to when our restaurants are consistently being recognized. Read on for some of the city's most-loved spots.
I can't find a historical list of past winners, so I can't tell you if any particular city is dominating these awards. Also keep in mind these awards are a little like judging ice skating
Dallas hasn't had a James Beard best Chef Southwest winner in 20 years. I think it has a total of 2 ever, same as Houston. Austin has 2 winners in the last 4 years, Tyson Cole and Paul Qui. Not sure if they have any more from prior years.
But Dallas is clearly the laggard in the Texas cities. Not sure why anyone would call it the "culinary leader", but definitely anyone who does is completely mistaken.
Location: Baghdad by the Bay (San Francisco, California)
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By the way, I just checked and Nevada is NOT included in Houston's division. (I was also mistaken in thinking it was). So, Houston doesn't dominate the culinary capitals of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and other cities in Texas, when its food scene is typically listed first among reasons why the spotlight should shine on it?
By the way, I just checked and Nevada is NOT included in Houston's division. (I was also mistaken in thinking it was).
NV was included in the Southwest region until 2013. It has only just changed to the Western region. So actually in the years that it has only included the states you listed, Houston has dominated with their most recent win.
Of course I should add that when Austin won best chef in 2011 and 2012, it did include NV, so we didn't seem to have much problem beating the Las Vegas chefs...
Okay that explains a lot. I was confused, because I thought for sure I remember it being in there from years past. Thanks for the clarification.
I would bet then, that Vegas dominated the Southwest most years prior to being re-categorized.
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