In a recent interview with TODAY, Michael Symon comments on this year's James Beard Award winners and the reputation of the Midwest in the nation's food scene.

Lamenting the oft-overlooked culinary talent in the Heartland, Symon says that "It's not often that the Best Chef in America comes out of the Midwest." While Paul Kahan, one of the five finalists for the Beard's Outstanding Chef category, is based in Chicago, the winner was D.C.-based José Andrés.

But the Midwest will get its due, promises Symon.

"For the first time ever, New York is pulling from the Midwest," Symon explains. "The farm-to-table stuff, that's all Midwest -- we're cities surrounded by farms. The movement with pork -- that's Midwest. The love of sausage, of bacon -- all Midwest."

Watch video of the interview here.