Blaine Wetzel Wins Best NW Chef!

Our own Blaine Wetzel, chef and part owner of the famed Willows Inn on Lummi Island, has won the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef: Northwest.

This is the Oscars for foodies. Just last year, Blaine tied for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year award. The notoriety is compounding: Zagat recently listed Willows Inn as one of the 14 toughest U.S. restaurants to get into (hint: Mondays and Wednesdays are your best bet for short notice).

During his acceptance speech, Blaine was profusely thankful for the support his finance Raquel Ruiz has received while she recovers in Paraguay from after being hit by a drunk driver. There is hope for a full recovery.

Congratulations to Blaine and the Willows Inn on Lummi Island!