UPDATE: Details on James Beard Award Nominations

Earlier I posted the semi-finalists for the James Beard Awards. Several people have asked me about the qualifications for nominations. Here are the voting instructions I received:

Dear Texas and Oklahoma Beard judges

1.  BEST CHEF SOUTHWEST.  Chefs must have worked in the Southwest region (TX, NM, AZ, UT, CO, OK, NV) for a minimum of 3 years–and must have been a working chef for 5 years.

2.  RISING STAR:  Born on or after Jan. 1, 19879.

3.  BEST NEW RESTAURANT.  Opened in the calendar year 2009.

4.  PASTRY CHEF:  Five years working minimum.

5.  RESTAURATEUR:  Multiple locations; 10 years working minimum.

6.  OUTSTANDING CHEF:  Five years working minimum.

7.  OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT:  Open 10 years minimum.

8.  WINE & SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL:  Minimum of 5 years working in the industry.

9.  WINE SERVICE:  Restaurant open 5 years minimum.

10.  OUTSTANDING SERVICE:  Restaurant open 5 years minimum.