Tonight, the best of the best in the culinary arts will be recognized in Chicago at the 2024 James Beard Awards. Talented chefs from around the country will descend upon the Lyric Opera House, hoping for their name to be called as a winner of what many refer to as the "Oscars of the food world." The list of finalists was announced in April, having been narrowed down from a pool of semi-finalists that was announced in January.
Our team is in Chicago and will be attending this evening and like the food nerds we are, we're already talking about who we want to see win. We're excited to see legendary author and former restaurant critic for the L.A. Times and The New York Times, Ruth Reichl, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Other categories that we're keeping our eyes on include Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Restaurant, Emerging Chef, Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, and, of course, all of the Best Chef categories that span 12 regions across the U.S. I've personally got my eye on the Best Chef Southwest category because I'm rooting for Rene Andrade of Bacanora in my hometown of Phoenix. I'm also thrilled to see a second Phoenician on the list, and am vying for Crystal Kass of Valentine in the pastry category.
Who Are the Finalists for a James Beard Award This Evening?
Take a look at the prestigious full list of finalists on the James Beard website and check out the list of our favorite categories below. If you want to keep up with the action this evening, the winners will be unveiled live on JBF's X feed.
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
