The restaurant industry's "Oscars" were held last night in New York hosted by the James Beard Foundation www.jamesbeard.org. Northwest chefs, writers and restaurateurs were well represented in nominee list - Canlis, Tom Douglas, Sara Dickerman and the hip class of chefs.

Holly Smith chef/owner of Cafe Juanita in Kirkland was named "Best Chef" Northwest by the James Beard Foundation www.nwstir.com.

Another key award was given to Maneki, the 100 year old Seattle Japanese favorite. Jean Nakayama's spot took an "America's Classics Award."