etoile Restaurant Chef Perry Hoffman named FOOD & WINE’s ‘The People’s Best New Chef: California’

The dining public selects Napa Valley-based chef as the most promising up-and-coming culinary talent in California.

etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon is pleased to announce that Chef Perry Hoffman has been named FOOD & WINE’s The People’s Best New Chef in the California region. Hoffman, nominated for the second-consecutive year, along with nine other chefs in the California region, was the only Napa Valley-based chef in contention. According to FOOD & WINE, he received the nomination because of his attention to pairings, which yields dishes that are balanced and harmonious.

“It truly is an honor to be named Food & Wine’s The People’s Best New Chef in California,” said Chef Perry Hoffman. “To be recognized by the dining public and the sophisticated readers of FOOD & WINE magazine is a tribute to the culinary team at etoile, and our dedication to delivering seasonally-inspired cuisine, paired with exceptional wines.”

At etoile, Hoffman draws inspiration for his cuisine from extensive gardens, located just steps from the kitchen, and from daily interaction with Domaine Chandon’s winemaking team, which allows him to create fresh, seasonal dishes with wine in mind. Hoffman’s innovative, wine-inspired cuisine is expertly paired with award-winning wines, setting the stage for the ultimate food and wine experience. Seasonally-changing menu highlights include: Dungeness crab and heirloom carrots with shrimp mousse, tangerine and sorrel; sea urchin fettuccini with heirloom radishes, kumquats, foraged greens and fennel; and Liberty Farms duck breast with yam purée, roasted leeks, pink peppercorns and moro blood orange.

Now in its second year, the award, an extension of the FOOD & WINE Best New Chefs program, honors talented up-and-coming innovators who have run their own kitchens for five years or fewer. The dining public determined The People’s Best New Chef winner via online voting, which took place from March 5 through March 11, 2012. For more information about The People’s Best New Chef: California award, go here.