If you’re in the food world, you’ve probably heard this (unless you spent the past couple of hours under a rock). Maria Hines, chef and owner of Tilth Restaurant in Wallingford, won the 2009 Best Chef Northwest award. This was her third year nominated, but her first win. Not only did she win, but she was also invited to cook for the reception after the awards ceremony.

Hines is quoted in the press release as saying: “Big thanks to my crew at Tilth and a very special thanks to my wife for letting me put a lien on the house for Tilth,” said Hines. “I promise we’ll pay it off soon now, honey.”

Tilth was the second restaurant in the country to be certified organic by Oregon Tilth. Tilth has a shiny new website, so go check it out.

Congratulations to Chef Hines!