Last week the StarChefs.com people came to Seattle to showcase our local talent. Several of the Rising Stars tapped by the New York-based online trade publication chatted with culinary students at South Seattle Community College and showcased their talents at a Gala Tasting at McCaw Hall.

Not that we locals need any reminders that there is some exciting things happening in our culinary pond, the honors did pay attention to pastry chefs, sommeliers and mixologists as well.

It was in those "others" that I found the passion casual observers often miss. Jim Romdall, of Vessell, routinely flaired - figuratively and literally. He also crafted a "Obama Nation Cocktail" filled with hope.

Attendees sampled from table to table then voted on the most flavorful dish. While Chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough of Spur's Beef Carpaccio, Tarragon, Mustard Leaf and Fried Bearnaise; Chef Joshua Henderson of Skillet Street Food's Spice-Braised Pork Belly, Cornmeal Waffle, Quail Egg and Braising Sauce; and, Chef Stuart Lane of Cafe Juanita's Venetian Rabbit Livers with Caramelized Onion, Anchovy and Currants were strong contenders....it was Chef Jason Wilson at Crush that took home top honors, bragging rights and a Jade Range with his Butter-poached Lobster with Gnocchi and White Truffle Cream.

The other Star Chefs included:  Ethan Stowell, Union, Tavolata, How to Cook a Wolf, Anchovies & Olives; Colin Patterson, Sutra; Adam Stevenson, Earth & Ocean at W, Seattle; Maria Hines, Tilth; Kelly Gaddis, Savor @ McCaw Hall; Mark Fuller, Spring Hill; Vuong Loc, Portage, Pig 'N Whistle; Matt Kelley, Rover's and Dana Cree, Poppy. Along with Mixologist Jim Romdall of Vessel, Nelson Daquip of Canlis was held up as Star Sommelier.

One other noteworthy award was presented to Tom Douglas for his mentoring and trail blazing.