Our side of the country still hold its own in the award count. Running in the 100m dash of these Olympics, Thomas Keller won a gold medal for Outstanding Restaurant. That means the French Laundry in Napa is the best restaurant in the U.S., and it's 2 months -- for the reservation -- and 90min -- for the drive -- away. So close, yet so $$$far$$$. Among the other nominees, Keller beat Nancy Oakes' Boulevard. Corey Lee, the chef who took the helm at the French Laundry, now that Keller multiplexes between Vegas, New York and his different ventures in Napa, won rising star: mmm, looks like Steve Young replaced Joe Montana. And if you want to be pampered, go to Gary Danko, who snatched outstanding service award.

Picture of Thomas Keller and friend (we bet on "wife") displaying the Beard medal, courtesy of Beard Foundation [update: we lost the bet big time. Person on the right is Laura Cunningham, general manager at the Laundry, and consultant at Per Se in New-York. Look the other way, there's no gossip here. Dang]