Canlis Gets James Beard Award, Washington's Sole Winner

SEATTLE, WA - Seattle's revered fine-dining spot Canlis won its first James Beard award last week for its wine program. Canlis was one of more than a dozen Washington restaurants or chefs to be nominated, but was the only one to walk away with a prize this year. The James Beard Foundation presented the awards on April 25.

Canlis has been nominated 10 times for a James Beard award - the culinary world's highest honor - but this is its first win. Canlis chef Brady Williams was also nominated this year for "rising star" chef of the year. Zachary Engel of Shaya in New Orleans took home the prize instead.

Canlis' win program has already been recognized as one of the best in the world, winning 20 consecutive Wine Spectator Magazine Grand Awards. Canlis has trained our Master Sommeliers and nine advanced sommeliers.

Nelson Daquip runs Canlis' wine and spirits program, which includes an 80-page wine list. But if that sounds daunting, Canlis has you covered:

"These wines have been chosen so that we might have a bottle worthy of your celebration. Should you require guidance, pairings, or a drinking companion, don’t hesitate to ask," reads and inscription on the wine list.

Other local James Beard nominees for 2017 included:

Best Chef Northwest

• Eric Donnelly, RockCreek
• Mike Easton, Il Corvo
• Edouardo Jordan, Salare
• Kotaro Kumita, Wataru
• Nathan Lockwood, Altura
• Shaun McCrain, Copine
• Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, Joule

Outstanding Chef

• Matt Dillon, Sitka & Spruce
• Blaine Wetzel, Willows Inn (Lummi Island)

Best New Restaurant

• No Anchor
• Upper Bar Ferdinand

Outstanding Baker

• Evan Andres, Columbia City Bakery

Outstanding Bar Program

• Canon

Outstanding Restaurateur

• Ethan Stowell, Ethan Stowell Restaurants (Staple & Fancy, Tavolàta, Anchovies & Olives)

Outstanding Wine Program

• Canlis
• Wild Ginger

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional

• Wayne Carpenter, Skagit Valley Malting (Burlington)

Rising Star Chef of the Year

• Jay Blackinton, Hogstone’s Wood Oven (Orcas Island)
• Maximillian Petty, Eden Hill
• Brady Williams, Canlis

Image via Creative Commons