The most anticipated time of year for culinary aficionados is here. The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of its Restaurant and Chef Awards on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The annual event, which gathered chefs, restaurateurs, and other hospitality industry professionals, celebrates excellence in the culinary world with awards for Best New Restaurant, Emerging Chef, 12 regional best chef categories, and more.
Celebrity chefs Nyesha Arrington, Richard Blais, Amanda Freitag, and Marcus Samuelsson presided over the ceremony. The night was filled with emotional speeches as dozens of hospitality professionals received what are among the highest honors in the industry.
Here are the winners of the 2024 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards:
James Beard Award Winners 2024:
Outstanding Chef
Michael Rafidi, Albi, Washington, D.C.
Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C., was honored as Outstanding Chef. Rafidi’s innovative Levantine cuisine has made Albi a standout destination in the nation’s capital, showcasing his creative approach and dedication to culinary excellence.
Outstanding Restaurant
Langbaan, Portland, OR
Langbaan in Portland, Oregon, took home the Outstanding Restaurant award. Known for its exquisite Thai tasting menus, Langbaan offers an intimate dining experience that masterfully blends traditional flavors with modern techniques, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.
Best New Restaurant
Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA
Dakar NOLA in New Orleans, Louisiana, was named Best New Restaurant. This vibrant eatery has quickly gained acclaim for its authentic Senegalese cuisine, bringing the rich culinary traditions of West Africa to the heart of the American South.
Outstanding Restaurateur
Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker, ID EST (The Wolf's Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and others), Boulder, CO
Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker of ID EST, the creative force behind The Wolf's Tailor, BRUTØ, and Basta in Boulder, Colorado, were awarded Outstanding Restaurateur. Their innovative concepts and dedication to sustainable practices have made a significant impact on the culinary landscape.
Emerging Chef
Masako Morishita, Perry's, Washington, D.C.
Masako Morishita of Perry's in Washington, D.C., received the Emerging Chef award. Morishita’s inventive dishes and exceptional talent have garnered widespread recognition and praise, marking her as a rising star in the culinary world.
Outstanding Bakery
ZU Bakery, Portland, ME
ZU Bakery in Portland, Maine, was honored as the Outstanding Bakery. Known for its artisanal bread and pastries, ZU Bakery has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Atsuko Fujimoto, Norimoto Bakery, Portland, ME
Atsuko Fujimoto of Norimoto Bakery in Portland, Maine, received the award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Her exquisite creations and dedication to her craft have made Norimoto Bakery a beloved institution in the community.
Outstanding Hospitality
Lula Cafe, Chicago, IL
Lula Cafe in Chicago, Illinois, was recognized for Outstanding Hospitality. With its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service, Lula Cafe continues to set a high standard for hospitality in the industry, making every guest feel at home.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Lula Drake Wine Parlour, Columbia, SC
Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Columbia, South Carolina, took home the award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Their expertly curated selection and commitment to excellence have made Lula Drake a destination for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Outstanding Bar
Jewel of the South, New Orleans, LA
Jewel of the South in New Orleans, Louisiana, was named Outstanding Bar. Known for its innovative cocktails and historic charm, Jewel of the South has become a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a unique and memorable drinking experience.
Best Chefs by Region
Best Chef: California
Lord Maynard Llera, Kuya Lord, Los Angeles, CA
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson, MI
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Harley Peet, Bas Rouge, Easton, MD
Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
Christina Nguyen, Hai Hai, Minneapolis, MN
Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
Matt Vawter, Rootstalk, Breckenridge, CO
Best Chef: New York State
Charlie Mitchell, Clover Hill, Brooklyn, NY
Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
David Standridge, The Shipwright's Daughter, Mystic, CT
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
Gregory Gourdet, kann, Portland, OR
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
Valerie Chang, Maty's, Miami, FL
Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
Paul Smith, 1010 Bridge, Charleston, WV
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
Rene Andrade, Bacanora, Phoenix, AZ
Best Chef: Texas
Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria, Mission, TX
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