Ricker on Beard: "A Great Honor"

Following on this morning's announcement as to the high ration of Portland chefs to general nominees for the Beard Awards, Andy Ricker of Pok Pok and Ping throws his reaction into the ring:

Of course it is a great honor (and probably not deserved considering the talent pool we have here in the Pacific Northwest) to be included as a regional best chef nominee, but the Ping nomination as one of the best new restaurants is especially gratifying. Getting the recognition from the James Beard Foundation means a lot to myself, my partners and everyone who works, or has worked, at Ping.

We are still waiting to see if I make the shortlist on march 22. Then there will be lost or little to celebrate about.