The list of semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards is out - and Mark Ladner, executive chef at Del Posto, is a nominee for Best Chef in New York City.
The James Beard Foundation Awards honor all aspects of the industry - from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers and architects. It is the highest honor for food and beverage professionals in North America. The James Beard Foundation Awards are presented each spring at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center on Monday, May 7.
Mark Ladner doesn't always get the recognition he deserves for his place in the New York City dining scene. Hidden in the back of the Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich-owned Del Posto, Ladner was dubbed the "Clark Kent" of chefs by New York Magazine. Despite his nerdy exterior and completely unassuming personality, Ladner has built himself a true sensation at Del Posto. In his first review after taking over for Frank Bruni as restaurant critic for The New York Times, Sam Sifton awarded Del Posto four stars, calling it "A pleasure that lasts, offering memories of flavors that may return later in a dream..."
For more on Mark Ladner and the James Beard Foundation Awards, visit the James Beard Foundation online.
Del Posto: 85 10th Ave., at W. 16th St.
