CHICAGO — Chicago chefs and restaurants may have cleaned up at the "Oscars of the restaurant industry" earlier this week, but we weren't finished winning just yet.
On Wednesday, Tablespoon.com tabulated votes and announced the winners of the second annual Munchies, the self-proclaimed People's Choice Food Awards, where Chicago put all others to shame.
Chicago was named the Best Food City in America by popular vote, beating nominees New York, San Francisco, Portland and Los Angeles. Last year's awards didn't include that category, so that's an honor all our own.
Local eateries Bar Toma, Butcher and the Burger, and Hoosier Mama Pie Co. were also named the best in their respective categories for the nation's top pizza, burgers and baked goods.
"It's been exciting to ignite a passionate food debate and encourage people to support their favorite restaurants, media, and chefs by voting," Munchies lead panelist and James Beard Award-winning TV personality Andrew Zimmern said in a release. "These awards are a celebration of the food experience across America."
Five nominees were chosen in each category by a panel of 26 experts, including chefs and food writers. Tablespoon.com then hosted a popular vote that was open to the public, co-sponsored by General Mills.
