A former Hawaii resident snagged a James Beard Award today, though no Hawaii restaurants or chefs were among the finalists.

Nelson Daquip, Canlis restaurant’s director of wine & spirits, left Alan Wong’s in Hawaii 15 years ago to continue his food and beverage career in Seattle.

His bio on the restaurant website Opens in a new tab  Opens in a new tabsays he became the most-rapidly promoted employee in the restaurant’s history, rising from server assistant to wine director in 4 years.

Daquip was named a best new sommelier by Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2006, and was named the city’s best sommelier by Seattle Magazine in 2008.

Today he took the stage with Canlis’ owners as they were presented the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program.

The Canlis brothers turned the microphone over to Daquip and he shared his thank-yous, ending his remarks, “with gratitude and aloha, thank you all very much.”