The voting is now open for the James Beard Awards and of course, we are asking for your vote for VOLT and Chef Bryan Voltaggio in the appropriate categories.

Participating in the James Beard Foundation Awards process has never been easier. Simply register your name, then submit your suggestions for nominees in up to 19 categories, ranging from Best New Restaurant to Rising Star Chef of the Year.

Deadline for entry is December 31, 2010 at 11:59PM. Membership in the James Beard Foundation is not required for entry. Winners will be announced on May 9, 2011 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City and we hope that we are included in the line up.

We thank you in advance for participating.

Please follow this link to register and cast your vote today:
Click here to register your vote

Signed. HKS.

Tuesday, the 21st marks our two year anniversary for Table 21. Nowhere in our dreams did we imagine the popularity of this one table. What started as our last minute spare table is now booked for the entire year of next year.

Yes, Table 21 is currently fully reserved throughout the entire year of 2011 and we have not begun to accept reservations for 2012. However, don’t give up on the chance to try one of the most extraordinary dinners you will surly have - ever. Cancellations do happen, and if you can be a little flexible with your dates you can still try out 21 this coming year.

We do have a Table 21 cancellation list and we will happily place you on the list. Send a note to reservations@voltrestaurant.com with the best telephone number to contact you, number of guests in your party and the dates you want. Or just say anytime, any day, any number of openings because who says you can’t eat alone - and at 21 you’re never alone anyway.

Happy Birthday T-21! Love, Hilda.

There is something terribly thrilling about starting a restaurant from scratch. With absolutely nothing there, but four walls, an empty shell, you, and a vision. And in this case it is with Chef Mike Isabella’s new venture Graffiato which literally means scratch.

If you know Mike, you can’t help but be affected by his genuine enthusiasm and passion. So how could we not jump on board and support Mike in his new venture. We’re looking at Spring 2011 for the grand opening and we hope that you will be as big a fans as we are of Mike and the Graffiato Team.

To follow our progress and to keep up with the latest please visit the Graffiato page and follow the team on all of the social networking sites.

And don’t forget to root for Mike on Season 8 of Top Chef All Stars every Wednesday on Bravo at 10:00 p.m.

Love to the Graffiato team and lets hurry up and open - Hilda.
P.S. Anyone in DC Permits reading this - come on! Give us a break. Lets go with those construction permits already.

Did you see our spectacular 8-course New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu? Click here to see the menu featured for one night only 12/31. I know requests for reservations have been coming in quickly but we may still have a few spots left so it may not be too late to reserve a table.
Please send an inquiry to reservations@voltrestaurant.com

And while we’re talking about the holidays don’t forget that you can still get that special gift for your loved ones with only a click away - VOLT Gift Cards! We can mail it directly to you or the recipient. What more says I love you and I appreciate you and I know you’re hungry, than a lunch or dinner treat at VOLT.

VOLT followers, if you’re in or around DC make sure to stop in at one of my favorite men’s boutiques, Lost Boys to pick up a little something to go along with your VOLT gift card.

Because let’s face it men, you may never be able to cook like Chef, but at least you can dress like him.

Outfit, Courtesy of Lost Boys
Photo Credit, Christopher Maybry

VOLT will be closed December 25th and January 1st.
Because who really wants to work on those two days anyway? Hope you all stay home with your family and friends as well.

Holiday gift giving ideas brought to you by Hilda.