James Beard Foundation Announces Finalists for 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards

The James Beard Foundation has announced the finalists for its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The awards celebrate the best chefs, restaurants, and hospitality professionals in the industry. The finalists were selected from a list of semi-finalists, which was released earlier this year. Over half a dozen Los Angeles chefs, restaurateurs, and bakeries have been named in this year’s coveted list.

Changes to James Beard Awards Process

The James Beard Foundation has implemented changes to the awards process following an audit in 2021 to address biases. Among these changes is expanded voting beyond traditional food media and no longer automatically including prior winners in the voting body. These changes aim to ensure a fairer selection process.

Additionally, new categories have been introduced for the 2023 awards, such as an emerging chef award without an age cutoff and regional best chef categories now including separate awards for California, Texas, and New York.

Further, the foundation hopes to have at least 50% of committee members and judges be people of color. The introduction of Leadership Award, Humanitarian of the Year, Emerging Leadership awards are also significant developments this year.

Ototo Nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Los Angeles-based Ototo has been nominated for the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category at this year’s awards ceremony. Known for its sake selections and Japanese Whiskey-based cocktails, the nomination is well-deserved recognition to Ototo’s commitment to quality beverages.

Rashida Holmes Representing Bridgetown Roti

Rashida Holmes is a representative of Bridgetown Roti at this year’s awards ceremony. Holmes is known for her Caribbean-inspired cuisine that showcases bold spices and vibrant flavors. Her debut popup has managed to garner much attention from food enthusiasts worldwide in a short span. Bridgetown Roti being nominated for the emerging chef category is Holmes’ gateway to a bright culinary career.

LA-Based Finalists Shine in Multiple Categories

Nine Los Angeles restaurateurs, chefs, and establishments have advanced to the finalist category of the James Beard Foundation Awards. Niki Nakayama, who owns n/naka and n/soto, is a finalist for the Outstanding Chef category. Greg Dulan, the owner of Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, and Dulanville, a new food truck partnership with Hotville Chicken, is a contender for outstanding restaurateur.

Gilberto Cetina Jr., Brandon Hayato Go, and Justin Pichetrungsi are the finalists for the Best Chef in California category. In addition to this, Carlos Salgado of Costa Mesa’s Taco María is once again a contender in the Best Chef category. Margarita Manzke of République is nominated for outstanding pastry chef or baker.

Leadership Awards and Honorees Announced

The honorary awards at this year’s ceremony will recognize individuals whose contributions extend beyond their restaurants’ kitchens. The cofounders of the Black Farmer Fund, Olivia Watkins and Karen Washington, are being honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award honoree this year is Madhur Jaffrey CBE.

Recipients of leadership awards include Jim Embry, Valerie Horn, Savonala “Savi” Horne, Ira Wallace, and Rowen White. These awards recognize individuals’ efforts to improve access to local produce and promote social justice in their respective communities.

Conclusion

The finalists of James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards represent some of the most talented chefs and restaurateurs across America. With L.A.-based nominees shining across multiple categories, it would be interesting to see their impact on the culinary world’s continuing growth. The awards ceremony, set to take place in Chicago on June 5, 2023, will be a true celebration of the culinary world’s best talent.

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