Jean Banchet Awards honor rising chefs

Blackbird Restaurant in Chicago saw two of its flock honored Friday night at the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence. Executive Chef Paul Kahan, instrumental in building the fine dining scene in Chicago and known for his seasonal cuisine, took home the award for Best Fine Dining Restaurant. His pastry chef, Tim Dahl, walked away with the medal for Rising Pastry Chef of the Year.

The trend toward seasonality and local sourcing was rewarded again when the award for Celebrity Chef, the night's top honor, went to Paul Virant of Vie in Western Springs. Virant, honored to be nominated with Bruce Sherman and Kahan, says he owes his achievement to his traditional approach to food in the Midwest.

"I cook to the seasons and support local farmers; we have 2000 quart jars of food that we've preserved," said Virant, who received the medal for Rising Chef of the year in 2006.

The Banchet awards, presented at the 11th annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Grand Chef's Gala, recognize and reward culinary originality and talent in the Chicago area; winners are selected by all participating and nominated chefs. The legendary Jean Banchet, namesake for the awards and credited for bringing fine French cuisine to Chicago when he opened Le Francais in Wheeling, was on hand to present the coveted medals.

Bill Kim of Le Lan, took the Rising Chef medal. "I worked for Banchet 18 years ago; it's especially meaningful to receive this award from my mentor." Alinea secured the Best Sommelier Award for the second year in a row thanks to Joe Catterson's expertise.

The Celebrity Pastry Chef nod went to Mary McMahon, currently teaching at Now We're Cooking in Evanston. "It means a lot to be remembered as a fine dining pastry chef," noted McMahon, who attributes her success to strong technique, discipline and an overall commitment to the art. McMahon beat out Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate, Gale Gand of Tru and Park Grill's Christine McCabe in this category.

McCabe, "always moving forward in her craft," said she was honored to be nominated once again. "This is my fourth nomination in six years; I'm the Susan Lucci of pastry chefs."

The gala, which featured wines donated by Lake Forest-based Terlato Wines International, raised more than $600,000 for the foundation.