Indy Chef in the running for award

Chef Regina Mehallick of R Bistro in Indianapolis has been named a semi-finalist for the 2010 James Beard Award for Best Chef.  Mehallick opened R Bistro in 2001 and has been recognized for her weekly menus that rely upon local and farm fresh meats and produce. 

The James Beard Foundation established the awards in 1990.  The awards are named for James Beard, renowned cookbook author, host of America’s first televised food program in 1946, and early advocate for local products and markets.  In 1954, the New York Times labeled Beard the “dean of American cookery.”

Time magazine has called the James Beard Awards “the Oscars of the food world.”  They cover all aspects of the food industry – chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, food journalists, restaurant designers, and more.   This year’s award committee fielded some 21,000 nominations, which were narrowed down to semi-finalists in 19 categories, including best chefs in geographical regions, best restaurants, etc.  Mehallick was one of 20 nominees listed in the Best Chef, Great Lakes region.

Mehallick received her culinary degree from Johnson and Wales culinary school in Charleston, South Carolina.  She has worked in restaurants throughout Europe.  To learn more about Mehallick and her restaurant, visit www.rbistro.com/.  To learn more about the James Beard Awards, visit:  www.jamesbeard.org/?q=node/99.