Andy Ricker Brings the Best Chef: Northwest Award to PDX

Nice try, Seattle! Pok Pok's Andy Ricker brings the 2011 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest to Portland.

In his acceptance speech, Ricker gave props to his fellow Portland nominees and the city itself, saying that "The city of Portland has allowed us to do what we do. I just don't think that Pok Pok could have happened anywhere else the way it did." Immediately following the ceremony, Ricker will be on-hand to serve a sweet-and-savory steamed Thai rice cake at the post-show gala. Complete coverage and Beard wrap-up tomorrow!

UPDATE: Ricker, wearing his shiny new award, per the James Beard blog:

· All Previous Andy Ricker Coverage [Eater PDX]