 If there's one thing our friends at Food & Wine do even better than throwing fabulous festivals all around the country, developing stellar recipes and generally making our lives more appetizing - it's identifying up and coming talent from around the country. In each of the ten designated regions of the country, you - yes, YOU - may vote for the chef whose restaurant has most significantly stirred your soul and your palate. The winner of the The People's Best New Chef 2011 will be the subject of a profile in the July issue of Food & Wine and will no doubt hold you in tremendous gratitude and esteem until the end of time. We and the editors of Food & Wine would greatly prefer that you only vote for chefs whose restaurants you've actually visited, so the "chef" part of The People's Best New Chef 2011 really holds true. See more details at foodandwine.com and let the clicking commence! Midwest | Pacific | Southwest | Northwest | New England
Kara Brooks Cooking philosophy: “We emphasize what we grow, when we’re growing it, and try to present it in fun, innovative ways. It’s not cooking as trickery, but at the same time there should be some fun in it.”
Joel Viehland Why he opened a restaurant in rural Connecticut: “A normal restaurant has three or four suppliers. I want to source as much locally as possible, so I have 35 to 40 vendors I work with.”
Christopher Coombs His kitchen strategy: “I’m super-obsessive-compulsive when cooking: Everything’s organized and labeled. If you’re sloppy and messy, you won’t last a month in this business.”
Jamie Bissonnette Why he’s amazing: Because he’s not afraid to challenge diners’ palates with the daring nose-to-tail cooking (including calf’s-brain ravioli and blood-sausage pepperoni on pizza) at his intimate enoteca.
Joseph Margate Why he’s amazing: Because he creates irresistible, umami-rich food with a modern French bent that goes beyond standard hotel cuisine.
Robert Sisca Favorite food to eat at home: Grilled cheese with pepperoni.
Gerard Barbin Why he likes Boston: “Boston is a welcoming city with a strong identity. There are a lot of good restaurants and chefs, and a lot of strong areas for dining, like the North End, Back Bay, South End, Cambridge. The fish and seafood quality in Boston is phenomenal.”
Geoffroy Deconinck Why he’s amazing: Because he uses his traditional Belgian pedigree to modernize French food.
Jake Rojas Must-try dish: “Deconstructed clam chowdah”: clams, potatoes and bacon with creamy broth poured tableside.
Nemo Bolin Why he wanted to open a restaurant: “[My wife and I] live to hear that unmistakable sigh when someone takes the first bite of their meal and just melts into their chair.” Midwest | Pacific | Southwest | Northwest | New England Voting starts on 2/15/11 and ends 3/1/11 at www.foodandwine.com/peoples-bnc. One vote per computer per region. Votes from any automated means or intended to disrupt the voting process (in American Express Publishing Corporation’s sole discretion) will be void. Chefs with the highest eligible votes per region will become finalists (10 total). The People's Best New Chef title will be determined based on highest number of eligible votes received during the voting period. All votes subject to verification. © 2011 American Express Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. 
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CNN clearly states this above:
"Votes from any automated means or intended to disrupt the voting process (in American Express Publishing Corporation’s sole discretion) will be void. Chefs with the highest eligible votes per region will become finalists (10 total). The People's Best New Chef title will be determined based on highest number of eligible votes received during the voting period. All votes subject to verification."
Enough with the sore losers crying all over this post ignorantly accusing chefs of cheating. You're giving the Boston restaurant industry a very bad name by posting such immature posts. You should really think about the words that you write before you click "post".
Congratulations to the winner and to all who were nominated. It's unfortunate that the chefs nominated have to have all of these pointless posts full of negativity and bitterness attached to something that should be nothing but a celebration of their talent and skill. You all should be proud of yourselves and your work that CNN and F&W recognized you and nominated you!
Remember: If you don't have haters... you're doing it wrong.
Congratulations Chef Jamie Bissonnette!
For Gerard Barbin
After reading all of the negative comments regarding these very talented chefs, I can actually state that my kindergarten students show more maturity !! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Being critical of ones food is fine, but attacking ones character, that is just unacceptable!!
I am happy to hear today that American Express is well aware was is going on. The new tag line says it all and I hope the punishment fits the crime.
"The People's Best New Chef title will be determined based on highest number of eligible votes received during the voting period. All votes subject to verification."
Jamie – you are a fucking idiot))
Shame on you for posting this. Jamie is a really a good Chef and a very nice guy. It is his friends and others around him that are the idiots They have no clue they are doing him more harm than good him than good. I'm glad they are not my friends.
How on earth did Jamie get up to 51% in a matter of hours? I sincerely doubt this voting mechanism is capable of detecting and discarding the fraudulent votes he's no doubt programmatically amassed. If it is, is sure isn't being communicated to us, the community responsible for casting these votes. This is hardly the way to harness the power of social polling to empower your readers and followers to recognize their local talent. If anything, it's a strong dissuasion from us even considering that any "award" you "bestow" is remotely "legitimate."
Really, CNN? You're going to bestow awards based on some chintzy freeware polling program that any 15 year old can add to their Facebook page?
For shame!
Do you people understand how polls work at all?
I bet you are the same people who CRY the refs cheated your football team huh? It's time to grow up and quit being vags about losing. Sometimes you lose! Sometimes, it has nothing to do with the Refs, and the Umps, and the Chefs....
So shut the hell up.
Maybe you should go back to highschool and learn how percentages work. One goes up, the others must go down. Maybe the jump in voting has to do with the 400 or so people that were at the burger bash last night that could have potentially voted for Jamie or maybe it was the several hundred links I sent to friends on Facebook. I'm sure that American express knows how to verify votes. I don't think anyone cheated at all. Coombs and Bissonette are both in a major metropolitan area and have had several weeks to put the word out. Good luck to everyone and I hope that the rest of you can grow up and realize that it's not about you. It's about these uber talented chefs that were nominated.
So all your friends voted right? And all the people at the burger bash did too? You're talking about a change of about 5 percent. The 500 to 1000 people (suddenly voting in a 3 hour time frame is, highly unlikely) and not close to 5 percent of the total votes as it's in a "major metropolitan area."
George, you are a moron. How could you possibly know what one vote counts as in terms of percentage. Not to mention, you proved my point. If his votes went up by 5% then coombs' would've gone down by that much creating a deficit of 10%. If you'd like, I can send you a link to a couple of my little cousins math tutors. He's 11 so I'm pretty sure that you two are on par with each other. Also, I say, "major metropolitan area", because, not all of the restaurants nominated are in major cities. Next time you'd like to question the intelligence of someone, make sure that you're smarter than them or you at least know what you're talking about. I bid you adieu good sir.
Connor- one percentage point is probably around 250 votes (rough estimate on the number of votes based on the time the poll has been open and how much percentages changed). Next time you want to be a douche, use it to clean that sand out of your vagina. Go back to playing shirtless with your retarded little cousin you mouth breather.
Woohoo for Jamie right guys?!?! I'm glad I could be part of the "push" for him winning~
Do not worry they are very much aware of this.
Jamie gets all his votes at night. Last night, we went up about 13%. He is a cheater, which I suppose is a requirement when you are a poor chef. Jamie, this will come back to haunt you, I promise. Sleep tight sweetie.
Just looking the comments on this board it looks like winning this going to be a curse.. I would never admit I won this and double lock my doors at night.
Some post show that many who have commented here should spend less money eating out and more on mental health care or do the rooms at McLeans come with WIFI.
Chris Coombs is a corky young chef and probably least talent among all. You need to google his food/dishes or eat at his restaurants. At his new place, he has a good chef who used to work at Radius helping him. Ask people in industry how terrible his food are at both restaurants. There are many good chefs out there not even being considered? I am in shock that he is even doing well in this voting. Very shock ! This will be the worst joke in New England's culinary history which includes great chefs;Lydia Shire, Jasper White, Barbara Lynch, Ken Oringer, Michael Schlow, Sam Hayward, Melissa Kelly, Anna Sortun, Tony Maws, and etc.
I'm sorry my friend, the Chefs you listed all have large PR budgets with the exception of Lydia. It isn't how good your food is, it's how good your PR firm is.
Eat at Raymond Blanc's ,Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons ,in Milton England, Alan Ducasse's Le LouisXV, Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo, Marc Haeberlin's L'Auberge de L'ill, Illhaeusern France orJoel Robuchon's L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Paris and you will know what good food is.
Obviously you know nothing about Chef Coombs!
Shocked at how well Coombs is doing given how badly his restaurant has been panned.
Actually both major newspapers gave his restaurant glowing reviews. Since there are only two newspapers that review food in Boston, I think you're making this up.
I do not believe a 1 star review is glowing, but who reads the Phoenix. The rest of his reviews are only ok at best, none of the publications are really raving about his food. I would want that form some one that is going to represent New England.
Neither the Globe nor the Herald employ credible critics. That much is well known. I was referring to Corby Kummer's review in Boston Magazine. Like him or hate him, he's at least earned some measure of respect in his field.
Link: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/restaurant_review_deuxave/
HUH?!?!?!?!
By the way, I do know for absolute fact that Jamie as well as Chris have been getting votes from automatic voting programs casting probably 10,000 votes a day!
I don't know if either of them are aware of who is doing it, but I am 100% aware that it's being done.
The Best New Chef award was special and a once in a lifetime award given to chefs who were nominated in secret by credible sources. F&W went in secret to check out their talents and then it was widdled down and given to the most deserving 10 or so. You couldn't pose, cheat, promote yourself and do any of the stupid antics I see coming out of this years crew. Little to unknown chefs got it because they DESERVED IT, not because they went on Facebook and Twitter and BEGGED for it. It's a shame that this award this year is a popularity contest...I hope 2011 is the LAST time F&W pulls this crap. Food & WIne's Most Annoying New Chef Award...sorry to the chefs who truly deserve it...sorry you are subject to being amongst a bunch of big mouths!
On behalf of our Executive Chef Geoffroy Deconinck we would like to thank Food and Wine for considering our extraordinary chef for this competition and we wish to thank all our guests voting for him. Since Geoffroy’s arrival at Natalie’s he made some big culinary waves and we are excited about all the new menu’s, wonderful food and gourmet surprises to come. We also like to congratulate all other chefs selected by Food and Wine, Geoffroy is happy to be part of such a talented group of chefs representing a new generation. Thank you.
Raymond Brunyanszki-owner
Oscar Verest-owner
Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn
Chef Pathetic Public, Your all class, Grab you kitch tongs and get cooking!
Tip:Finish high school, get GED, enroll in ESL course. Stop using tongs. Get stage at State Pen.
Good luck!
Sandrine... girls name why aren't you in the kitchen?
chris coombs is a great chef and deserves this.... keep doing what you do best
I staged at Dbar about 3 years ago. After my meeting with chef Coombs I started cooking in the kitchen. Shortly after I was called up to the office. He had noticed a tattoo on my right breast area.I was wearing a white bra and the only way he could of saw this was to have been by a video camera. He said, I could not work here. I asked why and he said the reason was a tattoo on my breast that resembles a swastika. Which it was not just a tribal design. I explained to this man in shock and anger, my situation. He said he did not care and asked me to leave and get out. Shortly afterwards I noticed a video monitoring device in his office. He was watching me the whole entire time.. I felt humilaiated and have since quit cooking. How is it possible to work in kitchens after this has happened.
What does this have to do with the Best New Chef contest?? If he was offended by your tattoo then chances are others were too. Maybe you should have covered up more?!?!
He was watching her on camera. That's creepy.
If that caused you to quit cooking, then you don't have thick enough skin to cook professionally. And how can a tattoo only be seen by camera? Maybe with your free time you could learn spelling and proper grammar.
Very interesting in the four years I have been eating at D-Bar, he has never had a female in his kitchen. The kitchen is so small, sitting at the bar for dinner you see everything that is going on. I hope Chris asks F&W for your e-mail address and takes legal action against you.
Yeah, my bawls taste better than the turd burgers and pubie pasta than what most of you can make.
Yes, I am one of the chefs on the list above, and I speak regularly with 3 of the other chefs on the list, and I know for a fact that there is cheating going on... the use of BOT VOTING PROGRAMS among other things.
Guess what? NOBODY GIVES A DAMN, every person on the list up there is a BAD ASS chef compared to you pathetic people voting for us, so keep living your life, while we make fuckin bank because the people that KNOW good food, KNOW we provide it.
But isn't it a peoples choice award? You're a dick.
It's a people suck my balls award if you wanna get down with it baby, and I'll let you hand me the award. MMMM
as a vegetarian I feel so lucky to have Toro as a dinner option- Jamie has delicious and creative options on the menu every season- so appreciative
Shame on all the "bashers". Obviously there is going to be controversy with any contest but, unless you know what you are talking about it's better not to talk at all. These wonderful chefs didn't pay for their nominations, they were chosen because of their talent!! If you don't like someone then don't vote for them, why be hurtful?!? I will never understand why people feel that it's OK to belittle someone...It doesn't just happen in grade school...some of the comments here are proof!
No, actually, the guys at Natalies did buy this, and are working with a PR company who are pushing people to vote- even strangers who have never had the dinner there. This guy is paid to embellish and lie about the popularity of the chef and the restaurant. The chef has no track record in Maine, or New England, so how can anyone judge him as a good chef? I'll bet maybe 30 people have eaten his "cuisine" at Natalies.
why don't you go there and taste for yourself? I have never eaten a better meal in my life, and I've eaten at the top in Paris, Berlin and New York. Keep your mind (and your palate) open a bit....and, maybe, don't slander....it's distasteful.
Now because I used my real name, negative posts are being put up about my restaurant, I have no ill will about the Chef at the CHI. I worked for a chef who was a F&W Best New, & JB best Young... I have a great respect for the title. I am not afraid of a place that has enough money to crush me and my family, we are so insignifigant in all of this I guess I should be touched that they cared.
What is this a bitch contest. You are acting as spoiled brats. Nationally, you are bringing the reputation of Boston's food community to a new low. What is this, a Tea Party members blog. Grow up and be civil for once.
Coombs is a cheater? And what about Jamie???~ 10% every night......or when he wants...Jamie , please, stop do IT!!!
These votes are rigged. It's so obvious, by the way the votes between Jamie and Christopher keep skyrocketing. I'm disgusted. This isn't a competition; it's a sham. As talented as these young chefs may be (it's obvious, since they made it on the list, that their skills are among the best of their generation), you should all be ashamed. And what's worse, the moderators of this website should be ashamed that they are not keeping a better eye on the going's ons of the voting. There's a reason why these votes keep peaking at certain times of the day/night. Wake up. There are loopholes.
I have worked with Chris Coombs and I would like to say he is one of the most dedicated and nice chefs I have had the pleasure to work with! It is blatant slander, the recent comments made about him! He is well deserving of this nomination.... And I hope he wins!
And, Coombs' food is straight out of a cookbook, verbatim.
This is a bad cross section of chefs from New England. There was a time, not too long ago, when a chef was judged on his or her cooking skills and food. Not Twitter fans and FB hits generated by a cheesy PR firm (see gBritt). Who is Deconink anyway? Hasn't he been there at Natalies for like 3 months? And it is WINTER! Nobody is eating at Natalies! This is a great example of a popularity contest based on PR idiots (see: gBritt) and not on the talents of the chefs. There are at least a dozen chefs just in Portland Maine who deserve this list more than these people (except Bissonette, he's great...and Nemo). Guy Hernandez, (bar lola) Eric Simeon, (grace) Krista Kern Desjarlais (bresca, and JBF nominee) and even her husband, who just closed his place, (evangeline) Erik Desjarlais deserves it more. They can all get by on their food, not a PR hyped popularity contest. Let's see this for what it really is. James Britt was asking people to vote for Deconinck even if they haven't eaten at Natalies. Keep it honest, people.
Hey George my restaurant got nominated for a James Beard Award too. Every one on this list is a good chef in their own right. It's too bad that some other Chefs in the region that are just as good if not better aren't not on the list as well. I don't have a PR firm nor have we hired anyone to do our press, It's all word of mouth and we've gotten a lot of attention. This is based on hard work and a great staff. I'm in the middle of nowhere in a town of two thousand. I don't expect to be able to compete with Chef's from Boston who have millions of people to pool votes from. But it doesn't really matter in the long run. I don't care to win this award just being nominated is great honor, especially when you consider we have no PR and our remote location. come check us out if your ever in Washington, CT. cheers
I have lived in RI for 13 years, Jake Rojas and Tallulah's On Thames is the best edition to Rhode Island. Period.
Jamie is such a hipster .. he is so tough .. he told me once he would cook his own sausage and eat it.
That's the spirit hung. Be a douche. Good for you. Good job helping Coombs cheat. I hope you feel good about yourself....so pathetic.
Based on the recent jumping of votes, I don't think Coombs is the one cheating.
I would question the fact that every night between 11 PM and 1AM there is a large number of votes for Jamie. I know that Jamie is honest, but with the history of the owner's pass, one has to question their votes. Everyone in the food community knows what I'm talking about. Very "Fishy" if you know what I mean......
You guys need to grow up.
You need to grow one or bite one.
George, do you like the way you look? You're such a pathetic douche. At least have the balls to use your real name if you're going to insult someone. There's absolutely no way you can even give a rough estimate of the number people voting. Even if you could, your math is still off. If 250 votes is 1% then how is 1000 votes 5%. Check your math again you fucking tool bag. You can't read or do math so why would I care about your insults? My name is Conor with one, n, just like it says at the top of the message. You really are a sore loser, an idiot, and you probably don't have any friends. I'm assuming that people don't want to hang out with you because you're such a dullard.
COombs pretty much told people that he was cheating or trying to cheat. Is this the person you'd want to vote for. Not to mention, one time I went to dbar for brunch with my gf and it took 45 minutes to get our omelette and croque Madame. The croque Madame wan't even made right. It was a slow day and my friend dave was working in the kitchen and we still had to wait that long. How does that even happen. Eggs cook quick.
I don't deserve to be on this list. That's all there is to say.
A few tings to point out about why Jamie is a true well rounded chef: first it is always about the patron and the food on the plate, never about himself. Jamie does not waste any part of an animal, if it is edible he will find a way to make it into a tasty dish. Jamie doesn't need to list where every ingredient in each dish comes from, the dish speaks for itself- you know it is fresh and local by the way it tastes. Lastly, he has made a conscious effort to have Toro as "green" as possible, trying to lessen the negative impact a restaurant can have on the environment.
I'm just his Dad... need I say more? He taught all I know, and I think he is amazing.. Vote Jamie Bissonnette!!!
Chris Coombs is an amazing, talented chef and wonderful person! I have been a patron at both of his restaurants, regularly, and will keep coming back!
really? People are surprised because popularity plays a part in a vote? What country do you people live in? Talent, merit, skill, whatever it be, only gets you on the ballot, after that it IS a popularity contest........ If you were given the chance wouldn't you ask friends and family to vote? Kudos to all nominated.
Chris Coombs is a fantastic chef and his talents are recognized and remembered at every restaurant he has worked in along his career.
It is unfortunate I cannot withdraw the votes and give them to another, after such arrogance and blatant disrespect at least the spirit of competition.
I read them and was disgusted, I just do not want to be the one to call him out. I am sure that there are other people voting the other way because they are disgusted by it as well. I do not like it how great chefs are striped from a title they deserved because another is a cheater.
I must say, I consider myself to be a purveyor of delicious foods, as an amatuer of course. So I often keep tabs on many of the chefs that I like to frequent as I enjoy knowing when they are moving to a new restaurant and things of that nature.
It was disheartening to see on Chris Coombs facebook that he was hinting that he was involved with some of the unfair voting practices that have been talked about in the comments section. I doubt I'm the only person who saw the comments, of which he later deleted for what are probably obvious reasons.
For shame for shame, for the chef himself to be blatantly involved with attempting to fix the competition. As you can see, it is clearly becoming a reality.
I loved Dbar until Chris Coombs open his new restaurant, now Dbar lost its great food. Jamie has been running two great restaurants at once. Chris needs find his place in-between both places so both are serving great food. But my true vote goes to Robert Sisca, best meal I have had in Boston hands down, not one bad course. He is to focused on his food to care about an Internet pole and that says a lot for why his food is great.
Gerar Barbin is a chef with oustanding talent and very nice personality.
When I go to sensing I alwas have a date with my meal. I love the way Gerard masters the culinary art.
I absolutely recommend to go to his restaurant.
Kara Brooks and the Still River Cafe are creating delicious food, thinking outside the box and exposing guests to what local really tastes like. The restaurant space itself is simple, yet breathtaking and reinstates that the food should really do the talking! My husband and I absolutely love this hidden gem, recommending it to all we come into contact with, and are always looking forward to the next time we can go to the Still River Cafe for a truly memorable experience! So happy to support such an amazing chef- glad that others will now learn of this as well!
CHRISTOPHER COOMBS!
i am so surprised at the juvenile behavior here! i am not in the restaurant/chef world, i'm a musician..i think of your world as high class and somewhat proper, well i did...this is such a sort of high school bummer with people accusing eachother! and not using their name...really weird...
so what's your real name 'Mr. Pryo'? lol
pyro not pryo smarty pants, first name is howie...look it up.
Ummm... personally, I'm coming to vote because a friend on FB suggested it. I don't think anything's suspicious about that. Maybe the other contestants need to work on their social networking skills.
Joel Viehland buys about 50% of his food needs from our local Farmers' Market, and he creates the most original and tasty meals from these local items. Not only is he creative, but he's one of the most affable people you'd ever want to meet! He definitely deserves some recognition for his creativity and culinary skills.
This is not just "a silly poll", the Chefs nominated have all worked very hard deserve to be on this list. Chefs have become our "Rock Stars" along with groupies and stalkers. When they tally the vote, everything will be looked into and there was a reason why I posted the a background comment.
Dear Kara Geenan, it's so typical of people like you to instead of using your real name, to choose a bogus albeit funny one. Hide and lob hurtful words, too familiar. Anyway it's not the restaurant, it's the chef. Geoff is a diamond among many great chefs in Maine and he deserves to be in the list.
carrageenan is a seaweed. You should know that as a Pr firm for a restaurant, obvious from your posts.
Nemo, I still think of you when I see a memo book! Congrats on your success, dude.
If any of chefs considered base on their impressive resume, Robert Sisca and Gerald B have the most impressive one. If you look at any chefs who successfully ran every kitchens in the past and made his name on cooking, there is one.
Kara is a self taught chef whose restaurant was voted best dining destination in NE last year. Anyone of you eat there? No? So no vote for her??
We should leave this poll to chefs/food critics/food experts to vote. Not u, not me, not ordinary people who don't know what good food or not....like us.
And don't be such a wuss if any of your friends are losing. Go out and eat all of these restaurants or read all food critics in NE.... how about the Boston Globe first. Google it.
There should be a poll for all chefs in New England to vote, not all of novice/people like us. Look at all Best Young Chef previous year back to 90's who are they..... They are all - great !!!
This is not a popular contest. It is bullcrap to write something against any chef. There are some chefs who don't even deserve to be selected. There are many great one left out. Matt Jenning of Farmstead, Tim W of TW Food, Jason Bond of Bondir will go head to head along with some on this list.
If you go down south and ask a chef like Sean Brock/Donald Link, north /ask Grant Achatz/Paul Kahan, or West/ask Chris Constantino or others where they would eat in NE?
They will go to Chef's chef, a chef who earn respect from their devotion and be on the line cooking everynight, humble and no ego. Who is really good chef here we are talking about. Not pretty face. Who is a great cook among all. Who can cook something very very good. The kind of meal that will blow your mind, not impressive resume or lots of friend doing popular vote. And man, if my friend is a chef and he is not great. I will not vote for him. We are voting for best young chef of America. Not effing American Idol or Dance with stars.
You know which one I am talking about. I have nothing against any chef here. But someone doesn't deserve it for the level he has not yet achieved.
I was being incredibly sarcastic when I said we should background check. It's a silly poll, that's all, people will vote with knowledge, and hundreds will vote with ignorance. Don't be so naive.
This society has become a legion or sore losers, so there was a lot of people who voted for the guy you didn't vote for... So he had a nice boost (and it wasn't over the course of 1 hour, how silly...) That is a reason to cry out corruption and cheating? How very mature.
this is completely insane. Of all the great restaurants in the midcoast maine area you choose NATALIE'S?
I agree that ballots should be submitted via credited means, background, when they dined, what they had, etc. To many employees, owners, influenced regulars abuse this system. After all, democracy is faulted, especially in this context.
Oh and let's make everyone who votes take a background check to be positive they've eaten at the restaurant they are voting for, and while we're at it lets background check that they've never had any damage to their sense of taste or the tongue and nose in any way.
It's time for an underdog to win this, fair and square. Game on. Vote Geoff.
There should be a write- in ballot, plus a background check on the chefs and owners,
I would think that the criteria would require that the chef be at his post for more than 4 months, with all the great chefs in Maine, this seems pretty bogus, What about Krista Desjarlais of Bresca, chef owned, she is on the short list for James Beard and another female chef!!!!!
I have to agree something is a little strange, do the math and you will see that someones count jump with almost a 1000 votes in a very short time. It seems that certain hours there is a certain increase. Check out Coppa's e-mail list and see the program they use. I use it myself and know what it is capable of. We once had the same problem with Zagat and North End Chef. My two favorites are Nemo Bolin and Joseph Margate, both had great teachers. Jamie was brilliant at Eastern Standard, Coppa never impressed me. Made the most honest man win.
Sounds like a sore loser to me at any rate, there was not a 9% increase in 1 hour that is an extreme exaggeration.
I checked the pole last night before I layed for sleep and Jamie was at 27%, and I awoke Jamie was at 31% and later in the morning he was at 33%.
Don't be foolish.
Why are you afraid of loosing.. It must be oh I dunno. Maybe becausc people must have retracted their votes after realizing whoever you are, Is a fraud.. If you are so concerned, use your first name.. I am sure it will be great publicity for your restaurant...
It is really interesting how Jamie bissonette jumped from 24% to 33% in an hour this morning. I truly hope that big of a jump would be looked into, 9% in one hour, and then nothing for the rest of the day and night is very suspect! In fact I hope that the conspiracy is exposed! Only time will tell!
If you know anything about online voting, one cannot cheat on a poll like this.
Try to vote twice and you'll see that you can't. If his numbers jumped up it most likely means that his social network is tight and loyal. He does have a lot of followers on Twitter and FB, personally as well as for Toro and Coppa. Do the research for yourself.
Jamie's food at Toro and Coppa is the best in Boston regardless of how many followers he has.
Don't believe it?
Then eat at either restaurant and see for yourself. It's so worth it.
Enough with the haters and the conspiracy.
But 675 votes in an hour is just impossible.
Nobody is cheating.. Whoever you are, I smell you are very jealous.....
looks like Jaime and his people figured out to vote multiple times from the same computer. this contest is quickly becoming a sham. In a popularity contest it's not possible for some of these other chefs from small markets to compete with chefs from larger markets. it's not possible for the restaurant industry to take this competition or award seriously. Its a shame and I hope they uncover the suspected voter fraud that is going on with this contest. Food and Wine should've known that this is a poor and badly conceived way to give an award. Completely unfair.
blah blah blah blah blah
Clearly you do not understand how online voting works. You CAN'T vote twice from the same IP address. In order to vote more than once you'd need to own more than one computer. If you own more than 10 computers and you're voting, you're a hacker and you're on the wrong website. Get real.
Actually, yes you can, unfortunately.
How about Susie at the Starlite Lounge ???
Looks like good ole Jamie has taken a clear lead. Booya
Joel Viehland improved his skills in the finest food establishments in the Heart Land Of Fine Foods, New Orleans, Louisiana. He deserves to be considered among the best in the land.
Jamie Bissonnette is the most talented chefs I know.. He has upheaved himself as probably one of the nations most sophisticated, unique and modern chefs around of the past decade.. Unlike other chefs who cheat and use already pre portioned foie gras bits, store bought panchetta, blood sausage, chicken feet in wholesale and cheep long island ducks.. He uses the finest products from local and organic farmers such as whole pigs.. He is truly amazing. Jamie's butchery and charcuterie technique are beyoond inspirational. I wish to vote for him and hope others do as well..
The best chef in town in Gerard Barbin he cooks for exquisit palates only!! Contemporary and oustanding French cuisine. Also very healthy. I wish he stayed longer in Boston, and for sure he should be the winner, what a nice departure gift. He is the best!!!!
Are there really 10x more male chefs than female? Really?
Is Juddy crazy? I have been to some of the best resturants in Palm Beach and London England. This is by far the best chef, and well worth every penny! The proof is in both the chef and the meal.
This is seriously a JOKE. Do you really think this contest is any indication of the best new chef in New England? NOOO! This is a contest for which chef has the most twitter followers and/or high school friend connections on Facebook who will click on a link. I doubt that any of the voters have eaten at every restaurant, and for the record, Cook and Brown is the #1 most overhyped undeserving place I've ever been.
im sure the staff at Cook & Brown would appreciate your comments. the people in this forum leaving negative feedback are questionable human beings. this should be an opportunity to congratulate these hard working people and wish them good luck in the future.
...really? how far in life have you gotten by being disrespectful. quite clearly all of these chefs are respectable and fantastic or else they wouldnt even have been nominated. accept the fact that this is a competitive list of chefs who are deserving of this opportunity. in no way is this restaurant overrated: people like the food and service that appeals to them, hence this establishments success. if you did go and didnt like your food, maybe you need to be a little more adventurous or open-minded when it comes to trying new dishes. no need to disrespect a prospering business or great chef though.
Chris Coombs -the best!
I was recently at Cook and Brown for brunch. The menu selection was very nice and everything was delecious. Super fresh!
Joel Viehland's food is unfailingly fresh, flavorful and imaginative. We are so fortunate to have his restaurant in our community.
There are some great choices for chefs on here, and ultimately I had to go with Bissonnette...this guy is a culinary rockstar. However one guy that should've been on this list and isn't...is Chef Will Gilson @ Garden at the Cellar, Cambridge, MA. If you don't know who this guy is yet, you need to. Side note: he made the best pork belly I've ever tasted, and all his other stuff is outta control good.
Geoffroy Deconinck provides Natalie's diners a truly remarkable experience. His food displays a mastery of classic French culinary technique, presented with contemporary flair: while incorporating the best local flavors and produce that Maine offers. You are one dinner away from sharing the same belief!
James Britt, the PR jerk form Maine is posting on this site for his client, Natalies (Deconinck) under numerous names. What a joke these people are.
I think that's the Natalie's bartender ;)
If you have not tried tried chef Jake Rojas' food at Tallulah's on Thames in Newport, RI you are missing one of the best new cuilnary experiences available. His farm to table restaurant sources from local farmers to give you the freshest, tastiest, seasonal fares around. From the Tallulah burger to seared scallops (with popcorn) to local beet salad to deconstructed chowder, Jake's interpretations rivals RI legend Al Forno.
Go Nemo go!!!!!
This is an easy one – Nemo hands down!!
I have not had the good fortune to dine at all of the nominated establishments. I do however have great regard for exceptional food. The cuisine at Tullulah on Thames rates my highest praise. Keep up the great work!
You are missing an important name on here.... Robin King, owner/chef of the excellent and welll-reviewed Restaurant Oro in Scituate, MA.
Voted for Jamie.... True Boston – Coppa is a great little place and either head there or Toro every time I'm in Boston with my friend Jodi! Go Jamie!
Chris Coombs is an amazing chef!
CHRISTOPHER COOMBS!!!!!
voted for Chief Jaime, He brings to the table at Copa and Toro creative dishes that you want to come back to.
Joel Viehland at Community Table creates more than a great meal – he creates a connection with our local food providers, our seasons and ourselves. On a daily basis he proves that experiencing food artistry need not be exotic, foreign or ethnic – it can be our own fields and farms enhanced with imagination and exquisite preparation.
Jamie, Jamie, Jamie!
I love Coppa, but come on! It's a glorified sandwich, pizza and pasta hang-out. I love, love, love it – do not get me wrong. But it would be a shame if we considered our top chef to be from a restaurant that is so narrowly defined. This is not a knock on Jamie Bisonette, I just think so many of the other chefs are so much more creative – because they're allowed to be.
I actually stopped and thought about this comment. I love Coppa as well, but you're right.
It's great at what it does, but it is what it is. Coppa doesn't do anything as sweeping and extraordinary as some of these other places.
My vote is for Sisca but it wasn't easy. Nonetheless, all should be congratulated on being nominated – what an honor!
To say that Coppa is a pizza and pasta hang out is incorrect. Come on now. Jamie is an incredibly talented chef who's specials and other menu items are mind blowing! Expand your horizons and order something other than pizza and pasta! Or better yet check out Toro which is the other restaurant in Boston that Jamie works at. Yes, he works/cooks at both. Two of the busiest restaurants in Boston. Best New Chef of 2011 is a no-brainer. Jamie is the obvious choice.
Natalie's at Camden Harbour Inn is the best restaurant in Maine. Geoffroy Deconinck has brought European Flair with a NYC touch to this unforgettable dining establishment. Maine deserves a win in this category as Boston is over-represented.
VOTE MAINE! VOTE GEOFFROY DECONINCK!!!!!!
Cook and Brown is a joke. Whatever PR firm they hired is doing a great job because this place is not even in the top 10 in Providence. Overpriced, mediocre food. Biissonnette is the man!
that kind of negativity seems immature and kind of nasty, personal in fact. From what I have seen Cook & Brown has been getting great national publicity as well as good local publicity. I have eaten there repeatedly and had a good experience everytime.
Sharon, do you have any personal connection to the proprietors of Cook & Brown?
It's really too bad you feel you have to knock someone else why not just say positive things about your own choice and let people who have been there decide. I love Cook & Brown, I have had the most amazing meals there.
this kind of comment only makes you look bad.. and unfortunately your guy is guilty by association.. be careful, you may be ruining your boy's chances.. Cook and Brown is hands down #1!
Chef Margate is incredibly talented and generous yet amazingly modest...his passion for using mostly local, sustainable ingredients is admirable. He loves to create deceptively simple yet innovative dishes using the best ingredients, treating them with the utmost respect.. He has made Clink. a gem in Boston's culinary crown.
Geoffroy Deconink without a doubt, Natalie's part of very luxurious Camden Harbour Inn is best restaurant in Maine. Geoffroy you rock!!
VOTE GEOFFROY DECONINCK!
Chef Joel Viehland should win! He is solid, focused, and AMAZING! He has my vote!
Jamie always whips about something Fantastic!!!
Nemo Bolin has a hit with this new restaurant in Providence RI
The dinner was unbelievable and delicious. If you are in the Rhode Island area, you MUST stop by for dinner.
this is a no brainer toro and coppa have the most interesting ingredients and playful dishes...vote jamie bissonnette
Ain't it the truth! Jamie's food at Coppa and Toro is by far the best in Boston and possibly the whole of New England. The experience of dining at either one of the two restaurants that he steers is amazing. The food, the service, the wine and cocktails are outstanding in both venues. Truly tasty and fresh food, exceptional service and no pretentiousness... That is what makes this chef the best of 2011. Vote Jamie Bissonnette!!!
Chef Jaime Bissonette is a fresh taste to Mass. Every time I'm up in Boston I have to stop in and try something new that he has made. I love the "outside the box" way it's prepared. Good luck to everyone!
Chef Coombs is amazingly talented
Great list of chefs, but I'm surprised that only one woman in the region is good enough to make the list.
Me too Julia, shame on them!! Really, It is a travesty.
Chris Coombs is our fave!!!
VOTE FOR GEOFFROY DECONINCK!
Vote for Geoffrey DECONINCK! He is the BEST CHEF!
Are u the former chef?
Vote for Chris Coombs!
Christopher Coombs! I love you!
Come on, you know you want to vote for Nemo so just do it!
Vote for Joel Viehland!!!
I dont know him, but I worked at Stella as an Extern. So i voted for him.
Christopher Coombs should win! :) He's an awesome chef!!
Geoffroy Deconinck is a GEM! I love Natalie's at Camden Harbour Inn :)
Agreed! How inventive can this chef become? Amazing and creative, not to mentin how delicious his creations are.
Christopher Coombs is a great chef! And he is hot!
He's great -and a great restaurant.
Cindy Campbell
Christopher Coombs is a great chef! Yes!
I have met and talked with Chris. He is engaging, thoughtful and honest. His kitchen is sharp and his food is outstanding. He has a great future in this industry.
I agree Patrick. One trip to his restaurant will show you that not only are his talents on display, but his sense of showmanship, teamwork, hospitality and passion enfuse the whole dining experience. It was one of the best diining experiences I have had anywhere.