The inaugural Elbys, named for renowned French chef and Richmonder Paul Elbling, will be given out on Sunday evening, Feb. 12. These awards will recognize winners from a list of nominees in nine categories. Twenty-five industry professionals, food writers, culinary instructors and food society members nominated this year's finalists. The winners will be selected by an anonymous panel of nine well-qualified judges. The after-party, hosted by Richmond magazine and sponsored by Richmond-made Cirrus Vodka and Brown Distributing, will follow. Net ticket proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Tricycle Gardens, focused on bringing agriculture, nutrition education and healthy food access to Richmond's urban core. Go to richmondmagazine.com/elbys for tickets.
The 2012 Elby nominees are:
Fine Dining Restaurant
High-caliber atmosphere, food, drink, service and technique rolled into one
- Acacia Mid-town
- Balliceaux
- Buckhead's
- Lemaire
Neighborhood Restaurant
Combination of quality, value and conviviality in a casual setting for lunch or dinner
- Aziza's on Main
- The Black Sheep
- Garnett's
- Mama J's
New Restaurant
Opened between Nov. 1, 2010, and Oct. 30, 2011, and has already established itself as a pacesetter
- The Blue Goat
- The Magpie
- The Roosevelt
- Stella's
Wine Program
Has clarity and quality in its wine program, which also best suits the restaurant's style and cuisine
- Amour Wine Bistro
- Can Can Brasserie
- Enoteca Sogno
- Secco Wine Bar
Beverage Program
Has clarity and quality in its beverage program, which also best suits the restaurant's style
- Acacia Mid-town
- Balliceaux
- Belvidere at Broad
- Fanhouse
Restaurant Visionaries
Risk-takers making their mark on the Richmond region and beyond
- Jason Alley and Ry Marchant of Pasture
- Ren Mefford and Chris Tsui of EAT Restaurant Partners (The Blue Goat, Wild Ginger, Osaka and Sushi-O)
- Todd Manley of Pescados, Pescados China Street and Ironfish
- Mel Oza of Lehja
Pastry Chef
A restaurant pastry chef who demonstrates artistry and excellence
- Sara Ayyash of Lemaire
- Josh Gaulin of Acacia Mid-town
- Carly Herring of The Empress
- Virginia Rowland of Rowland Fine Dining
Rising Culinary Star
A chef with extraordinary talent who shows leadership and promise
- Ryan Baldwin of Tastebuds American Bistro
- Tim Bereika of Secco
- Aaron Cross of Lemaire
- Caleb Shriver of Aziza's
Chef of the Year
A chef known for food artistry, excellent standards and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals
- Russell Cook of Balliceaux
- Lee Gregory of The Roosevelt
- Todd Johnson of Mezzanine
- Dale Reitzer of Acacia Mid-town
