Cathy Whims at Beard House; Two Arbitrary Accolades

NEW YORK CITY— Nostrana chef/owner Cathy Whims — who recently became a five-time nominee for the James Beard Best Chef Northwest award — will cook at NYC's James Beard Foundation one month from today, on Thursday, April 24. Whims' "Luscious Italian" dinner will offer seven courses — plus hors d'oeuvres — influenced by the Emilia-Romagna region and its wines (dishes include lasagne verde alla Bolognese and Cotechino sausage with a potato, ramp, and leek purée). Reservations are $170, plus the cost of the flight to New York. More information here. [EaterWire]

DIVISION/CLINTON— The listicle generators at the Daily Meal drop their list of America's 50 Best Casual Restaurants (think pizzerias, barbecue restaurants, and delis), and in Portland, Andy Ricker's Thai restaurant Pok Pok lands at #16. Pok Pok also sits on the site's 101 Best Restaurants list at #37. [Daily Meal]

VARIOUS LOCATIONS— Meanwhile, sandwich shop Lardo lands on Thrillist's list of the 21 Best Sandwich Shops in America. The mention also comes with a prediction: "Someday soon, chef Rick Gencarelli will have enslaved all of Portland." [Thrillist]

Photo of Cathy Whims courtesy Facebook