The 2017 James Beard Awards Gala was hosted last night, May 1, by Jesse Tyler Ferguson of ABC’s award-winning comedy Modern Family at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Industry leaders from across the country attended the ceremony and celebration where the theme of the evening was “Powered by Food,” which celebrated the exciting ways technology has sparked and strengthened our connections to food. The James Beard Foundation Awards are the “Oscars” of the restaurant world. The country’s top culinary talent is showcased and awards are given in various categories covering everything from chefs to service, culinary writing to  education, and restaurant design to lifetime achievements. Established in 1990, the awards are named for the late James Beard, cookbook author, teacher and champion of American cuisine. The James Beard Foundation continues his spirit through a variety of diverse programs, scholarships, publications and events. JBF is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in…