James Beard Award 2025 Semi-Finalist Nominations Announced
Chicago’s Dining Scene Dominates the List
Chicago’s dining scene is marking the 35th anniversary of the coveted James Beard Awards in a big way, with 22 semifinalist nominations for 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards announced on Wednesday.
Outstanding Restaurant
The Michelin-starred Galit in Lincoln Park received the lone Chicago nomination in the category of Outstanding Restaurant.
Outstanding Chef
Chef Lee Wolen of Boka is nominated in the category of Outstanding Chef.
Best New Restaurant
The recently Michelin-starred Cariño earned its first Beard nomination, in the category of Best New Restaurant, while Feld restaurant’s chef Jacob Potashnick earned a first-time nomination in the category of Emerging Chef.
Best Chef Great Lakes Region
Chicago chefs dominated the category of Best Chef Great Lakes Region with 10 nominations, including Oriole Chef Noah Sandoval, Marcos Ascencio of Mariscos San Pedro, Thai Dang of HaiSous Vienamese Kitchen, Diana Davila of Mi Tocaya Antojería, Bo Fowler of BiXi Beer, Joe Frillman of Daisies, Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading, Lamar Moore of ETC., Sujan Sarkar of Indienne, and Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada of Superkhana International.
Emerging Chef
Jacob Potashnick, Feld’s chef, earned a first-time nomination in the category of Emerging Chef.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Leigh Omilinsky, Daisies, is nominated in the category of Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Elske is nominated in the category of Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
Outstanding Bar
Kumiko is nominated in the category of Outstanding Bar.
Best New Bar
Bisous and Truce are nominated in the category of Best New Bar.
Outstanding Restaurateur
Brian Jupiter and Aaron Torricelli, Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern), are nominated in the category of Outstanding Restaurateur.
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Thomas Kakalios, Asador Bastian, and Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon, Scratch Brewing Company, Ava, Illinois, are nominated in the category of Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Christopher Marty, Best Intentions, is nominated in the category of Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Conclusion
The James Beard Awards recognize excellence across all aspects of the restaurant industry. The restaurant and chef award finalists will be announced on April 2, and winners will be revealed June 16 at the annual gala ceremony at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, which will also mark the 10th year the ceremony has called Chicago home.
FAQs
* What is the James Beard Awards?
+ The James Beard Awards are a set of annual awards that recognize excellence in the American culinary industry.
* What are the categories of the James Beard Awards?
+ The James Beard Awards have various categories, including Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, Best New Restaurant, and more.
* Who is nominated for the James Beard Awards?
+ The nominations are announced in February, and the winners are announced in June.
* What is the significance of the James Beard Awards?
+ The James Beard Awards are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary industry, and winning one is a significant achievement for chefs and restaurateurs.
