The news reverberated last night among foodies throughout the state of Alabama. Chris Hastings has already been enjoying a pretty special year – including a win on Iron Chef America and appearing in cities like Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC.

Now, after four previous nominations for the James Beard Foundation Award’s Best Chef, South category over the last five years, came this:

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/#!/beardfoundation/status/199647066471936000″]

Considering it’s the second ever Year of Alabama Food, it’s only fitting that the campaign’s official website had a post up on their Alabama Farm to Table blog congratulating the owner of Hot & Hot Fish Club shortly after it was announced on Monday night.

Of course if you’re out and about travelling, you may interested in knowing who else took home awards during last night’s ceremony (PDF).

Photo: Chris Hastings. Kent Miller/jbfa.