California Chefs of the Year

Every year, the California Travel Industry Association asks California food editors and writers to select a Chef of the Year. However, the best we can tell, they stopped giving out their awards for California cuisine in 2006. To keep up with the latest and hottest, we've added awards from other sources.

If you've a serious yearning for the best California has to offer, this list is a good place to start.

However, the restaurant industry is a volatile one, so do be sure to verify that the winning chef is still in the kitchen where they won their award.

California Chefs of the Year

2008
James Kelly, Owens Bistro, Chino (Southern California Restaurant Writers)
Craig Stoll, Defina, San Francisco (James Beard Foundation Regional)

2007
Eddie Meza, Anaheim White House (Southern California Restaurant Writers)
Traci Des Jardins, Jardinière, San Francisco (James Beard Foundation Regional)

2006
Erna Kubin-Clanin, Erna's Elderberry House, Oakhurst

2005
Carl Schroeder, Arterra, San Diego

2004
Trey Foshee, Georges at the Cove, San Diego

2003
Martin Yan, Yan Can Cook, PBS

2002
Michael Mina, Michael Mina, San Francisco
Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Santa Monica

2001
Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville
Nobuyki Matsuhisa, Nobu, Los Angeles

2000
Philippe Jeanty, Bistro Jeanty, Napa Valley
Zov Karamardian, Zov's Bistro, Orange County

1999
Gary Danko, Gary Danko, San Francisco
Tim Goodell, Dakota, Los Angeles