James Beard Foundation Awards 2024: Know Semifinalists of Restaurant and Chef Awards!

James Beard Foundation Awards 2024

The James Beard Foundation Awards 2024: Discover the culinary excellence celebrated at the James Beard Foundation Awards 2024 as these prestigious awards recognize chefs and restaurants.

In 2024, the James Beard Foundation Awards, presented by Capital One, unveiled its highly anticipated list of semifinalists, marking a celebration of culinary excellence in the United States. These prestigious awards, named in honor of legendary chef and food writer James Beard, annually recognize outstanding contributions from chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and journalists. Held around James Beard’s birthday on May 5, the awards have become a symbol of excellence in the culinary world.

Traditionally centered in New York City, the media awards are presented during a dinner in the bustling metropolis. However, a significant shift occurred in 2015 when the foundation’s grand gala transitioned to the vibrant culinary scene of Chicago.

This change in venue has continued, with Chicago proudly hosting the awards until 2027. The awards serve as a testament to the culinary innovation and creativity that thrive across the United States, shaping the gastronomic landscape and inspiring future generations of chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

Winners and Nominees of James Beard Foundation Awards 2024

On Wednesday, April 3, the culinary world eagerly anticipated the announcement of nominees for the James Beard Foundation Awards 2024. This prestigious event, presented by Capital One, is a highlight in the calendar of chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and journalists across the United States.

The nominees represent a diverse and talented array of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication in their respective fields, contributing to the rich tapestry of the American culinary scene. The climax of this culinary celebration unfolded on Monday, June 10, at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony. Hosted at the iconic Lyric Opera of Chicago, the ceremony served as the stage for the grand revelation of winners across various categories.

These deserving recipients were recognized for their outstanding contributions, further solidifying their places as leaders in the culinary industry. The James Beard Foundation Awards 2024 not only honored the winners but also celebrated the collective passion and innovation that continue to shape and elevate the culinary landscape in the United States.

History of James Beard Foundation Awards

The James Beard Foundation Awards have a rich history dating back to their establishment in 1990. Originally, the foundation expanded its chef awards and merged them with Cook’s Magazine’s Who’s Who of American Cooking and French’s Food and Beverage Book Awards. Over the years, the scope of the awards broadened to encompass various categories, including chef, restaurant, book, journalism, broadcast media, and restaurant design awards.

In a significant move towards inclusivity and addressing industry imbalances in 2018, the James Beard Foundation implemented changes to its award rules. These changes aimed to foster diversity by ensuring that judges reflect the demographics of the United States. The foundation retired the Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America awards, previously judged by past winners, and introduced leadership awards focusing on social justice issues. Additionally, some media entry fees were waived as part of these efforts.

The awards, which are highly regarded in the culinary world, are voted on by a distinguished panel of over 600 culinary professionals, including past award winners. Recipients of the James Beard Foundation Awards are honored with a medallion featuring the image of James Beard, the renowned chef and food writer, along with a certificate from the foundation, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to the culinary arts.

James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists 2024

Here is the list of Semifinalists of James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards 2024:

Outstanding Restaurateur

1. Ashok Bajaj, Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (Rasika, Annabelle, Sababa, and others), Washington, D.C.
2. Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, and Bādolina Bakery & Café), Houston, TX
3. Kimball Brienza and Stephen Palmer, O-Ku Sushi, Charleston, SC
4. Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas Uruapan, Chicago, IL
5. Bryan Chunton and Pei Wei, Zaab Zaab and Zaab Zaab Talay, New York, NY
6. Ravi DeRossi, Overthrow Hospitality (Cadence, Etérea, Avant Garden, and others), New York, NY
7. Greg Dulan, Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, Hotville Chicken, and DulanVILLE, Inglewood, CA
8. Laile Fairbairn, Locally Grown Restaurants (Snow City Cafe, South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, and Spenard Roadhouse), Anchorage, AK
9. Michael Gallina, Tara Gallina, and Aaron Martinez, Take Root Hospitality (Vicia, Winslow’s Table, Bistro La Floraison), St. Louis, MO
10. Kevin Greenberg, Gabe Hiatt, and George Clarke, Artisans Collective (Starbelly, Beretta, and Pop’s Bar), San Francisco, CA
11. Haidar Karoum, Chloe, Washington, D.C.
12. David Meyer, S.L. Hospitality (Bird & Bottle, Carolina Kitchen, and Ten Tigers Parlour), Washington, D.C.
13. Marcus Paslay, Clay Pigeon Food and Drink, Fort Worth, TX
14. Tim Rita and Andrew Dana, Timber Pizza Company, Washington, D.C.
15. Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, Relay Restaurant Group (Joule, Revel, and Trove), Seattle, WA

Outstanding Chef

1. Trigg Brown and Josh Ku, Win Son, Brooklyn, NY
2. Matthew and Megan Brown, Owlbear Barbecue, Denver, CO
3. Roxanne Cason and Sean Brock, Audrey, Nashville, TN
4. Stuart Brioza, Nicole Krasinski, and Josselini Rocha, State Bird Provisions, San Francisco, CA
5. Nick Bubeck, Per Se, New York, NY
6. Abraham Conlon, Fat Rice, Chicago, IL
7. Lisa Donovan, Buttermilk Road Sunday Suppers, Memphis, TN
8. Mutsuko Soma, Kamonegi, Seattle, WA
9. Brian Tyrell and Steven McHugh, Cured, San Antonio, TX
10. Kelly Whitaker, The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver, CO

Rising Star Chef of the Year

1. AJ Baker, Musket Room, New York, NY
2. Justin Barbour, The Rainbow Room, New York, NY
3. Alice Bergen Phillips, Teatro ZinZanni, Seattle, WA
4. Jason Bond, Bondir, Cambridge, MA
5. José Catrimán, Leña, Toronto, ON
6. Mayra Estrella, Avanti F&B, Denver, CO
7. Zeph Horn, Antler Kitchen & Bar, Toronto, ON
8. Angelique Howell, Root’s Handmade Pizza, Chicago, IL
9. Yuichiro Inukai, Joto Sake, Brooklyn, NY
10. Natalia Martinez, Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe, Miami, FL
11. Katie Moore, Get In Line, Denver, CO
12. Zeno Rocha, Luppolo Brewing Company, Vancouver, BC
13. Amy Yi and Xiao Han, Maypop, New Orleans, LA
14. Natalie Young and Sofia Rivas, Eat, Las Vegas, NV

These are just a few of the exciting semifinalists in the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards 2024. The final announcement of winners will take place at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony, a culinary extravaganza that brings together some of the brightest stars in the food and beverage industry.

The James Beard Foundation Awards 2024 continue to shine a spotlight on the culinary excellence found throughout the United States. As these awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding talents of chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and journalists, they play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of culinary innovators and continuing to elevate the American dining experience.

Stay tuned for the winners’ announcement, where the culinary world will come together to celebrate the best in the business and honor the individuals and establishments that shape the future of food in America.

In the spirit of James Beard himself, these awards continue to promote culinary artistry, innovation, and excellence, fostering a culture where food is celebrated as an integral part of our national identity.