Canadian writers up for James Beard Awards

The nominees for this year’s Oscars for foodies are out, and we’ve got some local writers in contention for the medals among the sea of Yanks. Toronto Life contributor David Sax got a Writing and Literature nod for his book Save the Deli, and Paul Grieco is nominated for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional (most influential person in the alcohol biz). Grieco is the owner of the restaurant Hearth in New York’s East Village, but he was born in Toronto and worked at La Scala, which his father and grandfather owned. B.C.’s James Walt is also up for best cookbook from a professional chef for Araxi: Seasonal Recipes From the Celebrated Whistler Restaurant. The awards will be handed out in May.

• Highlights from the James Beard Award nominations [National Post]