Chicago’s annual Jean Banchet Awards, celebrating the best of Chicago’s culinary world, were awarded Sunday night at Venue Six10.
The prestigious awards are named in honor of the late Chef Jean Banchet, who helmed the hugely innovative and world-renowned Le Francais in north suburban Wheeling, and was key in helping make Chicago a world-class culinary destination.
Chef Andrew Brochu of Roister was named chef of the year at the 2017 Jean Banchet Awards. |
Here’s the list of the 2017 winners:
Restaurant of the Year: Blackbird
Chef of the Year: Andrew Brochu (Roister)
Rising Chef of the Year: Bill Montagne & Jennifer Kim (Snaggletooth)
Best Chef-de-Cuisine: Wilson Bauer (Schwa)
Pastry Chef of the Year: Meg Galus (Swift & Sons/Momotaro/BOKA)
Rising Pastry Chef of the Year: Alison Cates (Honey’s)
Best Neighborhood Restaurant: Sumi Robata Bar
Chef Rick Bayless, the 2017 Jean Banchet culinary achievement award-winner. | COURTESY JEAN BANCHET AWARDS
Best Ethnic Restaurant: 5 Loaves Eatery
Best New Restaurant: Oriole
Best Sommelier: Rachel Driver Speckan (City Winery)
Best Mixologist: Julia Momose (GreenRiver)
Best Restaurant Design: Dixie
Best Restaurant Service: BOKA
Best Alternative Dining: Nomad
Culinary Achievement Award Winner: Rick Bayless
