Seattle's Star Chefs Shine (And You Can Dine)

While we're all still reveling in the Academy Awards, the restaurant industry is honoring its finest as well. A slew of local chefs are semifinalists for James Beard Foundation restaurant and chef awards [pdf], with nominees to be announced on March 23.

And one month from today, on March 24, StarChefs.com will present their Rising Stars Revue at McCaw Hall. The online culinary magazine's editorial team conducted in-person tastings and interviews of nominees from over 75 Seattle-area restaurants, choosing as their 2009 winners:

• Chef Mark Fuller of Spring Hill
• Chef Stuart Lane of Cafe Juanita
• Chef Vuong Loc of Portage and Pig 'N Whistle
• Chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough of Spur
• Chef Colin Patterson of Sutra
• Chef Jason Wilson of Crush
• Pastry Chef Dana Cree of Poppy
• Pastry Chef Matt Kelley of Rover's
• Mixologist Jim Romdall of Vessel
• Sommelier Nelson Daquip of Canlis
• Chef Adam Stevenson of Earth & Ocean at W Seattle (Hotel Chef award)
• Chef Ethan Stowell of Union, Tavolata, How to Cook a Wolf, and Anchovies & Olives (Restaurateur award)
• Chefs Joshua Henderson and Danny Sizemore of Skillet Street Food (Restaurant Concept award)
• Chef Maria Hines of Tilth (Sustainability award)

Want to sample the winners' creations? In addition to an awards ceremony, the Rising Stars Revue is a walk-around tasting gala for the public, enabling you to try signature dishes, cocktails, and wine. We peeked at the menu, and liked the looks of Venetian rabbit livers, wood-fired spot prawns, spice-braised pork belly, and more--not to mention wine pairings, an Obama Nation cocktail, and a couple of great desserts for a sweet end to the night. Tickets are $75 per person, with a portion of the proceeds donated to FareStart. Seattlest readers can enter promo code GSTLST to get a $10 discount.

Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. // McCaw Hall // $75