Congratulations to Bakery Nouveau’s William Leaman: James Beard Award semi-finalist!

11:58 AM TUESDAY: It’s the most prestigious award in the food world, and Bakery Nouveau‘s chef/proprietor William Leaman is a semi-finalist in the James Beard Foundation Restaurant/Chef Awards, category – of course – Pastry Chef. The winners will be announced in New York City in May, after the finalists are announced in March.

ADDED WEDNESDAY: We stopped by Bakery Nouveau this morning for a photo of the proud nominee. He says he got the word from his wife, and is most appreciative of the congratulations (and continued patronage) of their loyal customers. He says work’s going well on their expansion location in Capitol Hill and he’s particularly proud of the “Slayer” coffee machine they’re getting – a rare and amazing thing – you can even see how the deal brewed.

12 Replies to "Congratulations to Bakery Nouveau's William Leaman: James Beard Award semi-finalist!"

  • Laura February 19, 2013 (12:02 pm)

    Wow! That is awesome and very well deserved.

  • EmmyJane February 19, 2013 (12:21 pm)

    So well deserved – anything you get there is amazing!

  • AEL February 19, 2013 (1:15 pm)

    Congrats! I know I would vote for you.

  • lina February 19, 2013 (1:50 pm)

    maybe I should help them celebrate by going to get a twice-baked almond croissant today… I ‘heart’ bakery nouveau!

  • Tenaj February 19, 2013 (3:30 pm)

    VERY well-deserved! Great the “experts” have noticed, too.

  • kumalavula February 19, 2013 (3:37 pm)

    Bon chance, william!

  • sgs February 19, 2013 (6:43 pm)

    Wow, you are doing an amazing job. So glad we can enjoy the fruits!

  • Carraig na Splinkeen February 19, 2013 (6:46 pm)

    Fantastic news, but no surprise…congratulations.

  • nate February 19, 2013 (7:36 pm)

    Has anyone considered the congestion that this might create for West Seattle drivers? I hope that they will postpone awarding this “award” until we’ve had a chance to evaluate the environmental impact, including a traffic study. If there’s anything that I don’t want, it is more Ballardians coming here for pastries.

  • Awesome February 19, 2013 (7:40 pm)

    So well deserved we are soooo lucky to have a taste of France in the Junction!

  • QQman February 20, 2013 (8:45 pm)

    Great news, too bad the service is so poor.

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