Announcing the Eater Awards 2010 Winners: Portland

It is time now — horns, trumpets, fanfare, fireworks, dancing acrobats — to annouce the winners of the Eater Awards for the year 2010, presented by GREY GOOSE. In 50 categories spanning seven 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, Austin, and Miami nominated candidates for four major local categories: Restaurant of the Year, So Hot Right Now Restaurant, Chef of the Year, and Shaker of the Year. Eater readers then voted to narrow the field to a final three in each category. From that final three, the Eater editorial team picked a winner. 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 Downtown Manhattan. Those winners that couldn't make it should watch their mail for packages containing cans of Italian peeled tomatoes — and some other goodies. (Click through for the full rundown of winners across the country on Eater National.) And now, for real, without further ado, the winners:

Restaurant of the Year, Portland
Nominees: Castagna, Genoa, Gruner, Metrovino, Tasty N Sons
Finalists: Metrovino, Genoa, Castagna
Winner: Castagna

So Hot Right Now, Portland
Nominees: Bunk Bar, Fin, June, Irving Street Kitchen, Little Big Burger, Spirit of '77
Finalists: Little Big Burger, Fin, Irving Street Kitchen
Winner: Fin

Chef of the Year, Portland
Nominees: David Anderson (Genoa), Jason Barwikowski (Olympic Provisions), Ben Dyer (Laurelhurst Market, Simpatica, Ate-Oh-Ate), John Gorham (Toro Bravo, Tasty N Sons), Chris Israel (Gruner), Matt Lightner (Castagna)
Finalists: David Anderson (Genoa), Matt Lightner (Castagna), John Gorham (Tasty N Sons)
Winner: Matt Lightner (Castagna)

Shaker of the Year, Portland
Nominees: Tommy Klaus (Bluehour, Teardrop), Neil Kopplin (Clyde Common), Dave Shenaut (Beaker & Flask), Daniel Shoemaker (Teardrop Lounge), Kelley Swenson (June), Brandon Wise (Irving Street Kitchen),
Finalists: Brandon Wise (Irving Street Kitchen), Kelley Swenson (June), Dave Shenaut (Beaker & Flask)
Winner: Brandon Wise (Irving Street Kitchen)

Empire Builder of the Year, Portland
Nominees: Micah Camden (Little Big Burger), Ben Dyer (Laurelhurst Market, Ate-Oh-Ate), Kurt Huffman/ChefStable (WSL, Gruner, Foster Burger), Andy Ricker (WSL, Foster Burger, Pok Pok Noi), Nate Tilden (Olympic Provisions, Spirit of '77)
Finalists: Micah Camden (Little Big Burger), Andy Ricker (WSL, Foster Burger, Pok Pok Noi), Nate Tilden (Olympic Provisions, Spirit of '77)
Winner: Nate Tilden (Olympic Provisions, Spirit of '77)

And curious to see what went down in the 45 other categories in the six other Eater cities? Click through to Eater National for a complete view of the award-winning action, featuring can-trophy recipients ranging from David Chang to Eric Ripert to the dubious winner of "Fameball of the Year."

The Eater Awards 2010 would not be possible not only without presenting sponsor GREY GOOSE Vodka but also the event's product sponsors—Starbucks Flavored VIA, Whole Foods Market, USA Pears, Sixpoint Craft Ales, Astor Wines & Spirits, and Forever Cheese—and participating restaurants—Momofuku Milk Bar, The John Dory, Convivio, Pok Pok, Public, and Prime Meats. We salute them all.

And thanks to all Eater Readers who voted, commented, and helped push this whole shebang to the next level. See you back here next year? But before that, watch this space tomorrow for coverage of tonight's Eater Awards gala, presuming we're conscious enough to post about it.
· All Eater Awards Coverage [Eater]