Nominees for the 2008 James Beard Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the food industry’, were announced today. Here are the local connections:

Restaurateur of the Year: Stephen Starr

Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic: Alison Barshak (Alison at Blue Bell), Jim Burke (James), Jose Garces (Amada), Matthew Levin (Lacroix), Daniel Stern (Rae)

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Kate Honeyman (Continental Mid-Town)

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jeff Michaud (Osteria), Chip Roman (Blackfish), Michael Solomonov (Marigold Kitchen)

Outstanding Chef: Marc Vetri (Vetri)

Outstanding Service: Vetri

Best New Restaurant: Osteria, Tinto, Xochitl

They also give out awards to food writers, which we would undoubtedly win if we could afford the $100 entry fee.

Beard Nominees Sent to Judges [Grub Street]

Gather round the fireplace at James from 10 to 12 tonight and every Tuesday when seasonal cocktails and local beers are half off.

UWISHUNU has kicked off a monthly series named All Up In Their Grills that will take a look at some of Philadelphia’s most interesting chefs. The debut episode features Jim Burke of James.

Speaking of James, they’re doing Anti-Valentine’s day where they are only reserving tables of four or more. Check out the special menu in our Valentine’s Day Guide.

Philly Chefs: All Up In Their Grills [UWISHUNU]
James [Official Site]

David Snyder looks at why we’re such good locavores and how we got that way in his City Paper piece today.

Philadelphia often lags behind with respect to the latest food trends, but it’s long been ahead of the curve when it comes to eating local, so much so that it’s easy to take for granted how advanced our food system is compared to other cities. But how did it get that way? And what did we do — if anything — to make this movement so worthy of attention?

Cult of Seasonality [City Paper]

Every Thursday James pairs three cheeses with three different wines. Prices vary depending on the selections. Check it out!

James [Official Site]

DailyCandy Philadelphia is doing year-end awards and has nominated three notables in their Taste category.

• Jose Garces – Tinto
• Daniel Stern – Rae
• Jim and Kristina Burke – James

Daily Candy profiles bartender Theo Webb at James.

His specialties? Fennel and black pepper gin and tonic, the perfect twist on a G&T. (It’s not on the regular menu, but now you know to ask.) Then have coconut and white pepper rum with ginger ale and fresh-squeezed OJ — hits the sweet tooth without a sugar rush.

Tender Loving Care [Daily Candy]
James [Official Site]

We have to be honest, risotto has never made our toes curl. But reading the descriptions of Philadelphia Weekly’s Top 5 risotto dishes have us reconsidering.

1. James (James’ Risotto Alla Kristina was recently named one of Food & Wine’s Best Restaurant Dishes)
2. Rx
3. Plough and the Stars
4. La Viola
5. Gayle

Places for Risotto: Tip of the Riceberg [City Paper]

The Field House at the former Independence Brew Pub is looking at an early December opening. 40 high-def TVs sound good, 10 draught selections and 25 bottle selections sound paltry. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Kaizan Modern Japanese Cuisine says early December for an opening and “plans are afoot for an all-weather outdoor seating area.” [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Gayot names Jose Garces’ Tinto to its list of top newcomers and Daniel Stern’s Rae makes Esquire’s similar list. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

In other year end accolades James gets a top dish nod for their prosciutto and oyster risotto in the Decmeber Food & Wine.

As you look out on a bleak and cold November morning you need something to warm your innards and James has just that.

Tonight marks the hot spot’s 2nd annual fireplace lighting there will be half-price apple cider and beers as well as free popcorn and roasted chestnuts from 9 to 12.

James will keep up the warmth all winter as each Tuesday brings “hours of happiness” for 10 PM to Midnight with half off all local beers & half off seasonal cocktails.

Happy Days Are Here Again [Daily Candy]
James [Official Site]