By guest blogger and New York writer Seanan Forbes:

Even dressed to the nines for the James Beard Awards, Grant Achatz
still looks like an ebullient adolescent.

Asked what's exciting him lately, he cocks his head and says, "the
James Beard Awards". Achatz's girlfriend, Heather, whispers, "Japan."
"We just got back from Japan." Achatz says the trip was inspiring.
"It was amazing. We were in Tokyo and Kyoto. Kyoto's it."

Achatz has been giving inspiration to many people -- not just in
Alinea the restaurant, but also in the cookbook of the same name. The
hardcover Alinea has been nominated for Cooking from a Professional
Point of View. At last year's awards, Achatz took Outstanding Chef.
A few hours from now, we'll know whether he's bringing an authorial
award back to Chicago, as well.

Come what may, Achatz looks to be having a fine young time.