James Beard Foundation Throwing Big Party for Portland Nominees; Things Gonna Get Crazy in March

Last fall, the James Beard Foundation announced that they'll be announcing the nominees for 2011's awards right here in Portland, and here comes the first flurry of save-the-dates:

The nominations will be announced on Monday, March 21 — but the real hot ticket is the Sunday night pre-func party dubbed "A Celebration of Superstars and Master Chefs," which culls together all five of Oregon's James Beard Award winners (and all 14 past nominees) into a supreme clusterfuck of a tasting event. Deep breaths, kids: Among those serving at the Multnomah Athletic Club event include the-identifiable-by-surname-only Boulot, Dolich, Gorham, Pomeroy, Higgins, Israel, Mondok, Ricker, Paley, Rucker, Whims, and Schreiber, with wineries and distilleries pouring to ensure you almost sleep through the noms themselves. Reserve those tickets (a surprisingly affordable $60) here.

This year marks the first time the James Beard Foundation announces its awards in Beard's hometown; expect a solid series of official events, unofficial parties, and major food-celeb-spotting as folks flood into town. More coverage to come, obvs.
· James Beard in Oregon [Official site]
· All Previous James Beard Coverage [Eater PDX]