Minneapolis chef wins Best of Midwest honor

A Minneapolis chef has been honored at the Oscars of the food world.

Tim McKee of La Belle Vie in Minneapolis won the "Best Chef: Midwest" award from the James Beard Foundation.

The awards were handed out Monday night at a black-tie ceremony in New York City.

McKee was not the only Minneapolis restaurateur vying for the Midwest honors. He was competing with Alex Roberts of Restaurant Alma and Isaac Becker of 112 Eatery, among others.

McKee and partner Josh Thoma opened La Belle Vie in Stillwater in 1998, and moved it to downtown Minneapolis in 2003.

Better save your next trip there for a special occasion. The grilled beef tenderloin with parsley root, smoked bacon and marrow croquette will run you a cool $38.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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