New York, NY (April 6, 2005) Nominees were announced today for the 2005 James Beard Foundation Awards. Matt Lirette, Sommelier at Emerils Restaurant in New Orleans was nominated in the category of ‘Waterford Outstanding Wine Service Award.’ The award is given to the restaurant that displays and encourages excellence in wine service through a well-presented wine list, knowledgeable staff and efforts to educate customers about wine.

Matt Lirette has worked at Emerils restaurants since 1996. He has worked as Sommelier at all three of Emeril Lagasses New Orleans restaurants including Emerils, NOLA, and Emerils Delmonico. Emerils Restaurant, which recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, is the first restaurant owned and operated by Chef Emeril Lagasse. Lagasse is now the chef/proprietor of nine restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, Atlanta and Miami.

The awards will be announced at the 15th Annual James Beard Foundation Awards on Monday, May 2 at the New York Marriott Marquis. Information about the awards and a full list of nominees and honorees can be found at www.jamesbeard.org.

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