We have a very special favor to ask of you, our loyal readers. The fellow pictured at the right is a long-time friend of the Duke, Frank Ostini, Owner/Chef/Winemaker for the Hitching Post II in Buellton, California. To tickle your memory, HPII was featured in Sideways, the movie that showed the world that the Central Coast is a great wine-producing region. Of course, we've known that fact for 30+ years, but we digress. Look closely at the arms in the picture, you should recognize them as the arms handing plates through the pass-thru from the kitchen in the movie.

Enough jocularity! We have a very serious request. HPII has been serving Santa Maria-style BBQ in Buellton since 1986, but their roots go back to the original Hitching Post established in 1952 by Frank's father and mother. We believe strongly that they rank at the top of "American Classic" restaurants. So much so that we are asking you to help us by nominating them in that category for the James Beard Foundation Awards.

The James Beard Foundation Awards are the "Oscars" of the food industry. It would be fitting for the restaurant to achieve this kind of status, as Frank and his family have been serving classic Santa Maria BBQ in the area for over 50 years! Grilling meat over red oak coals has its roots in the heritage of the Central Coast going back to the original Spaniards who settled in the region. Frank has elevated those roots to the art form we enjoy when dining at HPII. He is also winemaker for the terrific Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Highliner celebrated in the movie.

We know that many of you have experienced excellent meals and old-fashioned hospitality at the Hitching Post II . If you agree with us that it is "A locally owned restaurant with timeless appeal, beloved for quality food that reflects the history and character of its community," then please join the Duke and vote online for HPII by following these steps.

Click on this link and register. Once you've registered, you can log in and submit your vote for nominations in one or all categories. Look for the Restaurant and Chef Awards "Vote online" and scroll down to "America's Classics." Your vote will be a big step toward our goal of having HPII nominated for this prestigious award.

Deadline for voting is December 1, 2008 and you don't need to be a James Beard Foundation member or restaurant professional to participate. So help HPII be a winner and be sure to let us or them know you voted the next time you visit the Duke of Bourbon or the Hitching Post II.