Most visitors to Kansas City know about the city's legendary barbecue. But food-savvy travelers and well respected food critics across the country recognize Kansas City as having an exceptional fine dining scene.

Several KC chefs have been acknowledged by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, which hands out the highest honor a culinary professional can achieve. Celina Tio from the American Restaurant was honored as the 2007 Best Chef of the Midwest, with Colby Garrelts of Bluestem also being nominated for the award. Tio and Garrelts' praise continues with Tio being named Chef magazine's "2005 Chef of the Year," and Food and Wine magazine honoring Garrelts as one of their "Top New Chefs for 2005." Michael Smith and Debbie Gold also earned the James Beard Best Chef of the Midwest honor in 1999, while at the American Restaurant. Debbie Gold now owns 40 Sardines and Michael Smith owns a restaurant of the same name.

Carrying on Kansas City's excellence in fine dining is JJ's Restaurant. Since 1996, JJ's has earned Wine Spectator magazine's highest honor, The Grand Award — an award given to less than 100 restaurants in the world.

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Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.