These irresistible Seattleites made their mark in the year that was.

2011 was a good year for food in Seattle. We’ve seen a craft cocktail uprising, scads of new restaurants (much to the locavore’s delight) and a slew of culinary books. I’d like to highlight some sexy celebs of the Seattle food community, for their accomplishments, as well as their raw and often silly charm. Here they are, in no particular order:

Sure, we all eat, but are you a true food lover? Attend South Lake Union’s restaurant showcase to find out.

Does the prospect of picking out fresh arugula and shallots put a spring in your step? Do your fingertips perpetually smell of garlic and basil leaves? Are you constantly annoyed with your gastronomically incompetent friends, who couldn’t even tell the difference between a remoulade and a béchamel?

Photo: DiscoverSLU.com