Café Kandahar Executive Chef Andy Blanton Named James Beard Semifinalist for Northwest’s Best Chef
February 18, 2010
WHITEFISH, Mont. (February 18, 2009) – Executive Chef Andy Blanton 
is among 20 semi-finalists in the Northwest and one of two in Montana who were selected today in the “Best Chef” category for the 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition program honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries. The Northwest category includes chefs from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington.
The prestigious group of semifinalists in the 19 Restaurant and Chef categories represents a wide variety of culinary talent, from legendary chefs and dining destinations in 10 different regions across the United States, to the nation’s best new restaurants and rising star chefs. The foundation's Restaurant and Chef Committee selected the nominees from 21,000 online entries.
“Being selected for this award has been a goal of mine,” said Blanton, who has served as executive chef at Café Kandahar since 2000. “It is such an honor.” Kandahar is located in the mountain ski village at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
“Whitefish is becoming nationally known for its culinary scene, and we’re thrilled that one of our members is being recognized,” said Jan Metzmaker, director of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau. “Anyone who has eaten at Café Kandahar knows that it is an unforgettable experience and we’re proud that Andy has been acknowledged for his talents.”
An independent volunteer panel of more than 400 judges from across the country will vote to determine the final five nominees in each category. Those nominees will be announced on March 22, 2010 in New Orleans, with the winners announced at the James Beard Foundation Awards on May 3, 2010 in New York City.
Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and continue to emphasize the Foundation’s mission: to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity.
###
More info at: www.jamesbeard.org/awards
Full press release: http://www.jamesbeard.org/files/2010_JBF_Awards_Semifinalists.pdf
Andy Blanton Bio: http://www.cafekandahar.com/about/andy.html
Cafe Kandahar: www.cafekandahar.com
Photos of Chef Blanton are available upon request.
The prestigious group of semifinalists in the 19 Restaurant and Chef categories represents a wide variety of culinary talent, from legendary chefs and dining destinations in 10 different regions across the United States, to the nation’s best new restaurants and rising star chefs. The foundation's Restaurant and Chef Committee selected the nominees from 21,000 online entries.
“Being selected for this award has been a goal of mine,” said Blanton, who has served as executive chef at Café Kandahar since 2000. “It is such an honor.” Kandahar is located in the mountain ski village at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
“Whitefish is becoming nationally known for its culinary scene, and we’re thrilled that one of our members is being recognized,” said Jan Metzmaker, director of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau. “Anyone who has eaten at Café Kandahar knows that it is an unforgettable experience and we’re proud that Andy has been acknowledged for his talents.”
An independent volunteer panel of more than 400 judges from across the country will vote to determine the final five nominees in each category. Those nominees will be announced on March 22, 2010 in New Orleans, with the winners announced at the James Beard Foundation Awards on May 3, 2010 in New York City.
Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and continue to emphasize the Foundation’s mission: to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity.
###
More info at: www.jamesbeard.org/awards
Full press release: http://www.jamesbeard.org/files/2010_JBF_Awards_Semifinalists.pdf
Andy Blanton Bio: http://www.cafekandahar.com/about/andy.html
Cafe Kandahar: www.cafekandahar.com
Photos of Chef Blanton are available upon request.
