Accolades & Accomplishments James Beard Award Semi-finalist, 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, 2008 Best New Restaurant locally owned, Ingram's Best of Business, 2008 Best New Restaurant KC Magazine 2008 James Beard Award Nominations for "Best Chef Midwest" 1997, 1998, 1999 James Beard Award 1999 "Best Chef Midwest" James Beard Award 2002 "Best Restaurant Graphics" - 40 Sardines James Beard Award Nomination 2002 "Best New Restaurant" - 40 Sardines Nation's Restaurant News - Fine Dining Hall of Fame - The American Restaurant Restaurant Hospitality Magazine "Best Kids Menu in America" - Crayola Café Esquire Magazine "Top 20 New Restaurants in America 2002" - 40 Sardines Ingram's Magazine 2006 Kansas City's 100 Fastest Growing Companies - 40 Sardines Featured Chefs in National Publications: Wine Spectator, Robb Report, Midwest Living, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Town & Country Wine Spectator - Award of Excellence, 40 Sardines 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Guest Chefs at Finale Gala Dinner - 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah Creative Menu Consultant and Partner in SPIN Pizza Participated in National Advertising Campaigns for: Grey Poupon, Kikkoman and Vita Prep Blenders