The 2008 Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence were announced. Winners are elected by their fellow chefs, so the winning chefs probably appreciate this award more than most. The wording used for the top chef award is a little weird. The Banchet foundation should probably drop the word “celebrity” and make the category “Top Chef”. Sure, winner Paul Virant was a top Food and Wine chef last year, but he’s the kind of guy who works with his head down and eschews the limelight in favor of honing his craft. Though Tim Dahl won for rising pastry chef, he should be looking over his shoulder, because his wife, Elizabeth Dahl, who was also nominated in the category, is making some serious bones at Boka. Her corn flan with blackberries was one of my favorite desserts of 2007.

Paul Virant, Vie-Chicago’s Top Celebrity Chef

Bill Kim, Le Lan - Rising Chef award

Mary McMahon, Now We’re Cookin’ - Celebrity Pastry Chef category,

Tim Dahl, Blackbird - Rising Pastry Chef

Lula Cafe - Best Neighborhood Restaurant

Blackbird - Best Fine Dining

Joe Catterson, Alinea - Best Sommelier