May 3, 2005
James Beard Award Winners Announced

Several LA institutions and individuals deserve a hearty congrats following the most recent round of the food world's academy awards.
James Beard Foundation Award winners (PDF link to complete list) include LA Weekly food guru Jonathan Gold for Best Newspaper
Restaurant Review or Critique, Spago for Best Chef in America (California region) and Outstanding Service, and the treasured Los Feliz institution Yuca’s on Hillhurst. The last entity was honored with the Southern Wines & Spirits of New York America’s Classics Award for “timeless appeal and quality food.” Glad folks far and wide can now salute those kick-ass carnitas.



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It should be noted that the chef who won for Best Chef (California) is Lee Hefter, and also that Hefter is the only Los Angeles chef to have won this particular medal in 15 years - the NYC-centric Beard judges always, but always, tap Bay Area chefs for the California award.