James Beard Best New Restaurant Award, From the view of John Mariani

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: “A restaurant opened in 2007 that already displays excellence in food, beverage, and service and is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come.”  “Award Winner: Central Michel Richard, Washington, DC ; Chef/Owner: Michel Richard: This is absolutely bewildering!  While Richard is one of America’s greatest chefs, but at its best Central is a good French bistro, not in any way innovative and rarely sees an appearance by Richard, who has been busy opening up restaurants elsewhere. Central will have no impact whatsoever on the industry in years to come. On the other hand, Anthos, NYC, whose exciting young Chef/Owner Michael Psilakis has transformed modern Greek cuisine is far more deserving in every sense. And veteran Chef Dean Fearing’s Fearing’s inDallas is a spectacular restaurant with food no one else is doing in or out of Texas. He has for decades been a leader and inspiration to chefs.” – John Mariani