The culinary world is abuzz as the James Beard Foundation announced yesterday its shortlist of finalists for this year's restaurant and chef awards. The James Beard Awards - for anyone not familiar - is like the Oscars for the restaurant industry. Like any high-profile awards ceremony, it is often the subject of equal parts hype and criticism, with some focused on the politics of the organization's nomination practices and others who vie all year long to be nominated. This is because chefs know that winning a James Beard award can catapult his or her career.
The James Beard Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Awards
This year, the James Beard Foundation has also added a brand-new Leadership award to recognize individuals who are pushing the boundaries of sustainability, equity, and industry practices. Among the esteemed nominees is California's trailblazing farmer Mai Nguyen, lauded for fostering a more inclusive and eco-conscious agricultural landscape. Additionally, the legendary Ruth Reichl, author extraordinaire and former restaurant critic, will receive a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.
How Are Chefs Nominated for a James Beard Award?
Each January, the industry awaits-with bated breath-a long list of nominees (called semi-finalists) across a variety of categories compiled from nominations submitted through the James Beard website. A top-secret committee narrows down hundreds of nominations into that prestigious list of semi-finalists. Then, in April, the list is whittled down again by the committee to just five finalists in each category (Best New Restaurant has 10), with winners (selected by the committee) announced at the live ceremony in June.
Who Are the Finalists for a James Beard Award This Year?
Personally, I'm stoked to see two amazing chefs from Arizona (Rene Andrade of Bacanora and Crystal Kass of Valentine) still on the list (down from seven Arizona semi-finalists). The internet is buzzing with notables in the Best New Restaurant category, including New Orleans' Dakar NOLA and Oro by Nixta in Minneapolis. Chef Gregory Gourdet of Portland's Kaan is looking to take home a second win for Best Chef Northwest and Pacific after nabbing Best New Restaurant last year. Mark your calendars for June 10, when the winners will be unveiled live on JBF's X feed, and until then, take a peek at the prestigious full list of finalists on the James Beard website and check out some of the finalists below.
Outstanding Restaurateur
A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture while contributing positively to their broader community.
- Mamba Hamissi and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare, Detroit, MI
- Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat, Seattle, WA
- Chris Viaud, Greenleaf, Ansanm, and Pavilion, Milford, NH
- Hollis Wells Silverman, Eastern Point Collective (The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, The Wells and others), Washington, D.C.
- Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality Group (The Wolf's Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and others), Boulder, CO
Outstanding Chef
A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals while contributing positively to their broader community.
- Sarah Minnick, Lovely's Fifty Fifty, Portland, OR
- Dean Neff, Seabird, Wilmington, NC
- Michael Rafidi, Albi, Washington, D.C.
- Renee Touponce, The Port of Call, Mystic, CT
- David Uygur, Lucia, Dallas, TX
Outstanding Restaurant
A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.
- The Compound, Santa Fe, NM
- Convenience West, Marfa, TX
- Langbaan, Portland, OR
- Mixtli, San Antonio, TX
- Vestige, Ocean Springs, MS
Emerging Chef
A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come while contributing positively to their broader community.
- Fariyal Abdullahi, Hav & Mar, New York, NY
- Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA
- Nikko Cagalanan, Kultura, Charleston, SC
- Ryan Fernandez, Southern Junction, Buffalo, NY
- Masako Morishita, Perry's, Washington, D.C.
Best New Restaurant
A restaurant opened between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.
- Bar Bacetto, Waitsburg, WA
- Barbs-B-Q, Lockhart, TX
- Chez Noir, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Comfort Kitchen, Dorchester, MA
- Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA
- Hayward, McMinnville, OR
- Kaya, Orlando, FL
- Kisser, Nashville, TN
- Oro by Nixta, Minneapolis, MN
- Shan, Bozeman, MT
