May 06, 2009 Mike Lata Wins the Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast!
What a trip! We've just returned from rainy NYC, where we attended the 2009 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala on Monday, May 4. Our very own Mike Lata was nominated for the 3rd year in-a-row for "Best Chef in the Southeast," and brings home the WIN! Third time's the charm!
After downing a few cocktails to calm the pre-awards jitters, we treked through the rain to Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center and nervously awaited our category. We were all humbled to be there and in awe of all the great chefs, culinary personalities, writers and editors surrounding us in the audience. Guests ranged from TV personalities like Emeril, Mario, Martha, and Tom, to world-renowned chefs like Thomas Keller, David Chang, Dan Barber, Jacques Pepin and Eric Ripert.
Chef Ming Tsai took the stage to present the award for Best Chef in the Southeast. And the winner is...MIKE LATA OF FIG RESTAURANT! Cheers, tears and lots of clapping ensued as Mike made his way to the podium, where he graciously thanked his partner at FIG, Adam Nemirow, his staff, and acknowledged the other great chefs nominated with him (Linton Hopkins, Hugh Acheson, Bob Waggoner and Bill Smith).
Champagne celebrations got underway immediately and followed afterward at Bar Boulud across the street. Congrats to Mike and his incredible team at FIG--we are all so proud of you and so happy to have such a special place to eat in Charleston!
