Chef Achatz Takes Home Beard's Outstanding Chef Award

By L. Stolpman in Food on Jun 9, 2008 7:47PM

Alinea's Grant Achatz won James Beard's most coveted prize of Outstanding Chef last night at New York City's Lincoln Center. The awards, aptly described as the Oscars of the culinary world, are named after famed American chef James Beard and seek to call attention to the country's best of the best in all things culinary. Julie Child said of James Beard, "Beard was the quintessential American cook. Well-educated and well-traveled during his eighty-two years, he was familiar with many cuisines but he remained fundamentally American."

Achatz's cooking is known for its molecular gastronomy and mix of flavors. What makes the award more interesting, notable and amazing is that just a year ago, Achatz was diagnosed with a tumor on his tongue. While the diagnosis typically means a removal of much of the tongue, Achatz chose the route of a mixture of radiation and chemotherapy. He has been cancer-free for about 6 months now. (Check out Chicagoist's interview with Achatz here.)

Rick Bayless, another Chicago chef, won the same top honor last year.

Congratulations, Chef Achatz, and we repeat the same thing we said earlier...stay healthy!

Alinea is located at 1723 N. Halsted St.