Discovering the message of Houlme: how one Orcas Island chef has been nominated for the James Beard award seven times

The James Beard Award has been a kingmaker in the food business since the 1980s. Even getting a nomination can be life-changing. 

Chef Jay Blackinton – a punk musician and self-described wannabee skateboarder – has been nominated seven times. He’s self-taught and runs a buzzy two-man kitchen on Orcas Island. And this year, he’s been named a James Beard Award finalist in the Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific category. 

Seattle restaurants Archipelago and Atoma are also finalists in the Outstanding Hospitality and Best New Restaurant categories, respectively. 

Not a single eatery from Washington state has taken home the big prize in the past three years. If Chef Blackinton wins, it could change the fate of his restaurant, which is both nurtured and challenged by its remote location.

Guest:

• Jay Blackinton is the head chef at Houlme in Eastsound on Orcas Island, and is a James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific category

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