The Jean Banchet Awards, which is also known as Chicago's annual restaurant awards, which recognizes the local talents, were held on 15th January at Venue Six 10 in the South Loop.

Dozens of members from Chicago's restaurant community their friends and family were present in the audience as industry colleagues took their turns announcing the winners across 14 categories, which included restaurant of the year award, chef of the year award, pastry chef of the year award and the best sommelier award. Winners were chosen by the Jean Banchet Panel, the panel consisted of Chicago food experts, and the list of nominations was made by the public in fall 2016.

The evening benefited the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Congratulations to the winners, listed below, as well as everyone nominated.

Restaurant of the Year: Blackbird

Chef of the Year: Andrew Brochu (Roister)

Rising Chef of the Year: Bill Montagne & Jennifer Kim (Snaggletooth)

Best Chef-de-Cuisine: Wilson Bauer (Schwa)

Pastry Chef of the Year: Meg Galus (Swift & Sons/Momotaro/BOKA)

Rising Pastry Chef of the Year: Alison Cates (Honey’s*)

*Cates won for her work at Honey's, but recently left the restaurant.

Best Neighborhood Restaurant: Sumi Robata Bar

Best Ethnic Restaurant: 5 Loaves Eatery

Best New Restaurant: Oriole

Best Sommelier: Rachel Driver Speckan (City Winery)

Best Mixologist: Julia Momose (GreenRiver*)

*Momose won for her work at GreenRiver, but recently she had announced her departure from the restaurant.

Best Restaurant Design: Dixie

Best Restaurant Service: BOKA

Best Alternative Dining: Nomad

Culinary Achievement Award: Rick Bayless

AMandeep