May 07--The James Beard Foundation awards gala is always a glitzy affair but this year's fete, held Monday in New York City, was cause for even more celebration. San Francisco's State Bird Provisions was named best new restaurant, and Danny Bowien, of Mission Chinese Food fame, took home the "Rising Star" award.

The outstanding chef award resulted in a tie between David Chang of New York's Momofuku Noodle Bar and Paul Kahan from Chicago's Blackbird; outstanding restaurant honors went to New York City's Blue Hill. Other major honors:

Lifetime achievement award: Cecilia Chang, San Francisco

Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America: Michael Mina, San Francisco

Best chef, Western region: Christopher Kostow, The Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena.

Best individual food blog: Hank Shaw, Hunter Angler Gardener Cook, Sacramento

Outstanding wine, beer or spirits professional: Merry Edwards, Merry Edwards Winery, Sebastopol

Find details and the full list of awards at jamesbeard.org/awards.

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