Was the James Beard Finalists Vote Spoiled by Server Problems?

Leslie Brenner, the restaurant critic for the Dallas Morning News, had some problems voting in the 2011 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards — the Beard Foundation's voting site was inexplicably down on the last day of voting — and she wonders if the "voting for the finalists was conducted in a complete and fair manner."

The James Beard Foundation admitted to a "handful of people" having problems, and voting was extended to the next day. Unfortunately, Brenner was never told of the extension and didn't get her vote in.

And conspiracy watch! Not a single restaurant or chef from Dallas made it as finalist in the JBF 2011 Chef and Restaurant Awards, and Brenner wonders if there's a connection.

· 2011 James Beard: Was the voting complete and fair? [DMN via @RonRuggless]
· All James Beard Coverage on Eater [-E-]