Texas picked up several medals last night at the 35th annual James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards, held in Chicago. Arjav Ezekiel of the counter-service prix-fixe restaurant Birdie’s, in Austin, won Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, a national award. Best Chef: Texas went to Thomas Bille, of the Mexican-influenced restaurant Belly of the Beast, in Spring, outside Houston. Previously announced honorees included Chad Houser, who won Humanitarian of the Year for his work with Dallas youth at Cafe Momentum, and editor and author Toni Tipton-Martin, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Gaido’s, the beloved shrine to Gulf seafood in Galveston, was recognized with an America’s Classics Award.It was a night that highlighted the many contributions immigrants have made to the restaurant industry. Both Ezekiel,…
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