Laura Brennan, chef/owner of Caffè Umbra in the South End, won the James Beard Foundation’s “Greens” Third Annual Tapas challenge in New York City on Sunday, September 26, 2004. Brennan faced off against both Gabriel Frasca of Spire Restaurant and defending champion Barbara Lynch of No.9 Park. Each chef presented three tapas style courses complete with wine pairing. Brennan’s third course, Warmed Beef Short Rib Terrine with Celery Root Salad and Porcini Pearà Sauce matched with Turkey Flat Grenache, pushed the win in her favor. As keeper of the trophy Brennan’s job will be to choose two new chefs to compete in the 4th annual challenge next year.