James Beard Awards 2008: LA Nearly Shut Out

The James Beard Awards, often touted as the Oscars of the food world (some disagree), took place in New York last night, and Eater NY liveblogged the festivities and traipsed around town for all the news and gossip at the after parties. Los Angeles had strong contenders in the chef and restaurant categories (including Suzanne Goin, pictured) but none brought back the fancy medals this year. Two writers, however, did---Angeleno's Brad Johnson for restaurant criticism, and LAT's Russ Parsons honored as a Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America. Chicago chef Grant Achatz, who battled cancer last year, took top honors as Most Outstanding Chef. Here's the full list of winners and nominees.
· James Beard Noms Announced, LA Represents [~ELA~]
· James Beard Awards 2008 Reflections [Serious Eats]
· Liveblogging The 2008 James Beard Awards [Eater NY]
· Hangover Observations: '08 Beard After Parties [ENY]