James Beard Awards nominees 2009

Food fight! Who's duking it out for the culinary world's top awards.

By Alexis L. Loinaz and Matt Rodbard
Metromix

The 2009 James Beard nominations have been announced, which typically means one thing: Terrance Brennan is nominated! Again! The six-time nominee, for Best New York Chef, has yet to win an award, but the perennial Beard bridesmaid is among this year's lineup of reliable awards stalwarts, which also includes serial nominees like La Grenouille (Oustanding Service), Babbo's Gina DePalma (Pastry Chef) and Jean Georges (Outstanding Restaurant).

Granted, there were a few shockers, include a total shut-out from the Rising Star Chef of the Year category (Irving Mill's Ryan Skeen was our sole hope). But we were more than compensated with a terrific showing in what is shaping up to be one of the year's most hotly contested category, Best New Restaurant, with three powerhouse nominees: Momofuku Ko, Scarpetta and Corton.

David Chang versus Scott Conant versus Paul Liebrandt—we're ready for a serious smackdown. Bon appetit.

Pictured: Drew Nieporent and Terrance Brennan at last year's Beard Awards. For the full list of 2009 nominees, visit www.jamesbeard.org.