The 2013 James Beard Nominees Are In . . .

Chef Curtis Duffy and his team at Grace are one of the James Beard nominees for 2013. (Photo: Michael Muser)

The nominees for the 2013 James Beard Awards have been released.

Chicago's representing our vibrant dining scene well this year, with One Off Hospitality (avec, Blackbird, Violet Hour, etc.) leading the pack with four noms and West Loop newcomer Grace in the running for Best New Restaurant.

Here is how Chicago fared:

Get Ready: Perennial Virant Launches Breakfast

Perennial Virant's biscuits and gravy with Gunthorp Farms chicken sausage and sunny side up eggs. (Photo: Perennial Virant)

Well, this makes sense for Perennial Virant, especially when Green City Market opens its outdoor event directly across the street in the spring.

Beginning April 1, the award-winning restaurant on the first floor of the Lincoln Hotel will start serving breakfast 6:30-10:30am Monday through Friday. Wednesdays should be especially busy with the pre- and post-Green City Market crowds.