Refined gentleman's magazine Esquire named Gather the 2010 “Best New Restaurant” and bestowed its "Chef of the Year" honor to its chef, Sean Baker. And why wouldn't they? Just look at Baker. He's gorgeous. Anyway, the official announcement, we're told, will made at a ceremonial dinner to be held in New York City tonight.

Upon learning the news, Chef Baker commented, “I’m proud of what the Gather team has accomplished and welcome the momentum this recognition affords the restaurant as we move forward with a new fall menu, full service lunch and our weekend brunch with acoustic music on the patio.”

We look forward to Gather patrons taking even more pictures of their meals and affixing them to their favorite social media accounts. Because that never gets old.

Among the list of 20 best new restaurants in the country, Castro's Frances made the cut

If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, Gather Restaurant is located at 2200 Oxford Street on the ground floor of the David Brower Center in Berkeley. The refreshingly Flash-free website is www.gatherrestaurant.com.

In related news, Minka Kelly was named Esquire's "Sexiest Woman Alive" for 2010.

[Eater]