It is time now to announce the winners of the 2011 Eater Awards, presented by Patrón Tequila. In over 50 categories spanning thirteen cities, the winners comprise a diverse bunch of the finest and most interesting chefs, operators, and characters in the country. We applaud them. You are hereby instructed to applaud them. So, without further ado—actually, a few quick pre-ambling thoughts....
To recap, Eater's local editors in NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Miami nominated candidates for five major local categories: Restaurant of the Year, So Hot Right Now Restaurant, Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year, and Best Bathroom. Eater readers then voted to narrow the field to a final three in each category. From that final three, the Eater editorial team chose the winner. Winners were then moved up to a national round to select the best of all the land. In very rare cases, we exercised Rule 17, Sub. 19, which allows for veto of the popular vote. (This rule was used just once in 2010.) In addition to these main stage winners, said Eater editorial team has named worthy winners in more specialized categories, for myriad notable achievements.
Nominees and winners alike will be feted at a party tonight in Manhattan. Those winners that couldn't make it should watch their mail for packages containing cans of Italian peeled tomatoes. And now, without further ado, the winners in Austin. Click through for the full rundown of winners across the country on Eater National.
Restaurant of the Year, Austin
Nominees: La Condesa, Uchi, Barley Swine, Uchiko, Foreign and
Domestic, parkside, Congress
Winner: Barley Swine
So Hot Right Now, Austin
Nominees: Franklin Barbecue, Contigo, Bacon, JMueller BBQ,
Barley Swine, Noble Pig, Justine's
Winner: Contigo
Chef of the Year, Austin
Nominees: Shawn Cirkiel (parkside), Tyson Cole (Uchi, Uchiko),
Paul Qui (Uchiko), David Bull (Congress), James Holmes (Olivia), Josh
Watkins (The Carillon), Bryce Gilmore (Barley Swine), Rene Ortiz (La
Condesa)
Winner: Paul Qui (Uchiko)
Bartender of the Year, Austin
Nominees: David Alan (Tipsy Texan), Pam Pritchard (Tigress),
Josh Loving (FINO), Bill Norris (Alamo Draft House), Houston Eaves
(Contigo), Chauncey James (East Side Showroom), Adam Bryan (2nd Bar,
Bar Congress), Lara Nixon (Tigress/Bad Dog Bar Craft)
Winner: Chauncey James (East Side Showroom)
Best Bathroom, Austin
Nominees: Bartlett's, Paggi House, Donn's Depot, Lamberts,
Vivo, Athenian Grill, Perry's Steakhouse, Headliners Club
Winner: Donn's Depot
Food Truck of the Year, Austin
Nominees: East Side King, Peached Tortilla, Odd Duck,
Cazamance, Chi'lantro, Bits & Druthers, JMueller BBQ, Rosie's Al
Pastor
Winner: Peached Tortilla
The Eater Awards 2011 would not be possible not only without presenting sponsor Patrón Tequila but also the event's product sponsors—Seamless, Organic Valley, USA Pears, Sixpoint Craft Ales, Whole Foods, Pat LaFrieda, Forever Cheese, and Sokol Blosser—and participating restaurants—Mission Chinese, Cookshop, Franklin BBQ, Baohaus, flour + water, Beast, Pok Pok, Red Farm, and Marble Lane. We salute them all.