With the James Beard book and media awards in New York behind us, the food world now turns its attention to Chicago and the upcoming chef and restaurant awards, which will take place a week from today. Among the chefs hoping for a medal coming out of the awards is Ari Taymor, chef at Alma, who is nominated for Rising Star Chef of the Year. 

Taymor and his cohorts at Alma are celebrating his nomination this Wednesday at the restaurant, and are inviting the public to celebrate with them also. Diners eating at the restaurant on Wednesday will be given free sparkling wine, free bottles of S.Pellegrino, and free dessert. 

Taymor isn't the only L.A. chef up for an award this Wednesday. Animal's Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo and Providence's Michael Cimarusti are up for Best Chef in the West, Spago is up for an Outstanding Wine Program award, Osteria Mozza's Dahlia Narvaez is up for Outstanding Pastry chef, Suzanne Goin is up for Outstanding Chef, Petit Trois is up for Best New Restaurant, and Guelaguetza will be honored as an America's Classic. 

You can call Alma at 213-244-1422 to make reservations for their Wednesday celebration. 

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