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Minneapolis Chefs Nominated for James Beard Award

For Immediate Release

Meet Minneapolis Applauds Local James Beard Foundation Award Nominees Chefs' Diverse Talents Heat Up Minneapolis's "Culture of Cuisine"

(MINNEAPOLIS)—April 9, 2008—Meet Minneapolis, the Official Convention + Visitors Association, applauds today three Minneapolis chefs nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation awards. Dominating the Best Chef: Midwest category are—Isaac Becker for 112 Eatery, Tim McKee for La Belle Vie and Alex Roberts for Restaurant Alma. Out of the five chefs nominated in the category, three are from Minneapolis.

Serving up an international medley of flavors, 112 Eatery is known locally as the place where the chefs go to eat after work. Cozy and comforting, Isaac Becker offers upscale dining and quirky spins on traditional cocktails and small bites.

Celebrating 10 years as one of Minneapolis's most noted restaurants, La Belle Vie and chef Tim McKee make perennial appearances on local and national "best of" lists for the restaurant's French-Mediterranean cuisine and its refined and elegant atmosphere. Named after the Spanish phrase alma del tierra or "soul of the earth," Restaurant Alma is committed to supporting organic, sustainable food production in Minnesota—in all the seasons Minnesota entails. Each day, Alex Roberts' menu reflects Minnesota in its current season. The awards will be announced June 8 at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, preserving and nurturing America's culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of culinary excellence.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS: Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes the Minneapolis area as a venue for conventions and meetings and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to bring a positive economic impact to the greater Minneapolis area.