Bullfrog & Baum Congratulates Its Food & Wine Best New Chefs

Erik Anderson and Josh Habiger, co-executive chefs of The Catbird Seat in Nashville, and Jenn Louis, chef and founder of Lincoln Restaurant in Portland, join an illustrious group as Dana Cowin, editor in chief of FOOD & WINE, announced the winners of the 24th annual FOOD & WINE Best New Chefs award.

"It is a pleasure to see the industry recognize such talented chefs who put their heart and soul into everything they do," says Jennifer Baum, President and Founder of Bullfrog & Baum.

Best New Chefs are chosen after a months-long selection process. The magazine works with restaurant critics, food writers and other trusted experts around the country to identify outstanding chefs who have been in charge of a kitchen for five years or fewer. Then the editors travel incognito to taste the food themselves. The 2012 winners will be featured in the July issue of FOOD & WINE and will also attend the 30thanniversary of the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen on June 15-17.

The Bullfrog & Baum clients honored this year include:

Erik Anderson & Josh Habiger, The Catbird Seat, Nashville
As the latest addition to Strategic Hospitality's impressive portfolio, The Catbird Seat opened in Nashville's Midtown neighborhood in October 2011 and was met with immediate acclaim. Chefs Erik Anderson and Josh Habiger helm the U-shaped kitchen as a two-chef team, delivering a thoughtful, modern seven-course tasting menu that changes nightly depending on daily inspirations. Their sophisticated and, at times, avant-garde and unexpected cuisine is an interesting blend of Chefs Anderson and Habiger's innate artistic and whimsical sensibilities and past experiences in some of the world's top kitchens. The new concept ushers in a new wave of interactive dining, as eager guests overlook the Chefs as they cook, plate, serve and establish an open line of communication with their guests. Chefs Anderson and Habiger's sheer presence and culinary artistry has changed the dining landscape in the South and has established Nashville as a premier dining destination. For more information on Chefs Anderson and Habiger or to make a reservation at The Catbird Seat, please visit thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com.

Jenn Louis, Lincoln Restaurant, Portland
Chef Louis' Lincoln Restaurant was launched with husband-cum-bar manager David Welch in the summer of 2008. At the heart of Lincoln is Chef Louis' simple kitchen philosophy, which is an honest expression of Portland cuisine, featuring fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients that are transformed into sophisticated seasonal fare. Chef Louis' mix of fortitude and finesse makes Lincoln a standout in the Portland restaurant scene, where she deftly combines familiar flavors and textures in a simple, unfussy way. From cooking for Outward Bound base camp staff deep in the woods in North Carolina to opening her Culinary Artistry catering company, Chef Louis has quickly become one of Portland's most respected chefs. For more information on Chef Louis or to make a reservation at Lincoln Restaurant, please call 503.288.6200 or visit lincolnpdx.com.

# # #
Bullfrog & Baum
Bullfrog & Baum is a nationally recognized award-winning agency specializing in hospitality, lifestyle and consumer public relations and marketing. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Bullfrog & Baum was founded in 2000 by Jennifer Baum and today the firm's international clientele includes top chefs and restaurants, lifestyle personalities, iconic product lines, cookbooks, specialty stores, and tomorrow's next big thing. For more information, visit www.bullfrogandbaum.com.