Starchefs.com Names Its 2010 Rising Stars

By Jonathan Kauffman Thu., Apr. 22 2010 at 3:28 PM

Categories: Food News / Restaurant Gossip

SPQR's Matthew Accarrino is on the rise.

Starchefs.com just named the 14 winners of its 2010 "Rising Stars" Awards for the San Francisco Bay Area. The touring awards, which recognize chefs, bartenders (unfortunately titled "mixologists"), and restaurateurs under the age of 40, is always an interesting counterpoint to the national James Beard restaurant awards. Starchef often recognizes the sous chefs, pastry chefs, and chefs de cuisine behind the marquee names, the ones who often run the place.

According to the Starchefs Web site, the Rising Star awards travel from city to city every year, profiling four different cities each time. (The last time Starchefs hit San Francisco was 2007, though last year it honored Napa and Sonoma pros). Nominations apparently come from chefs, previous winners, food writers, and other interested parties. The judges then come to the city to interview 50-60 nominees and taste their food or drinks.

The awards will be celebrated with several events: a speaking panel featuring past award winners on June 14, followed by a public gala and industry-only afterparty on June 16. This year's winners after the jump:

Chefs
Matthew Accarrino, SPQR
John Paul Carmona, Manresa
Maximilian DiMare, Wood Tavern
Louis Maldonado, Aziza
Thomas McNaughton, Flour + Water
Scott Nishiyama, Chez TJ

Pastry Chefs
Melissa Chou, Aziza
Catherine Schimenti, Michael Mina

Mixologists
Erick Castro, Rickhouse
Brian MacGregor, Jardinière

Sommelier
Sarah Valor, Commis

Concept
Joshua Skenes, Saison

Restaurateur
Shelley Lindgren, A16 and SPQR

Hotel Chef
Josh Thomsen, The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa

Congratulations to all.

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