Downtown Chicago was abuzz this past Monday as the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards took center stage at the magnificent Lyric Opera Building, attracting the crème de la crème of the culinary world. They have officially concluded, and Chicago has achieved remarkable success with two out of its five nominees emerging as winners.
The Victors
In the Emerging Chef category, Damarr Brown, chef de cuisine at Virtue, secured a well-deserved win. This accomplishment not only adds to Virtue’s growing reputation but also highlights Brown’s remarkable talent and dedication. Having worked under last year’s winner, Erick Williams, for seven years, Brown’s culinary journey and his partnership with Williams in opening Virtue have certainly led to this prestigious achievement.
Meanwhile, in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, Tim Flores and Genie Kwon were celebrated for their Filipino restaurant and bakery, Kasama. Their win underscores the outstanding flavors that decorate their menu, which explores classic Filipino dishes. Flores’ culinary expertise and Kwon’s skillful pastry creations have captivated diners and elevated Kasama’s name. Their James Beard award is a testament to their exceptional culinary skills and the culinary diversity that thrives in the city of Chicago!
The Full List of James Beard Awards
The 2023 James Beard Awards were an undeniable success for the city. Check out the full list of winners here!
Written by Bridget McGann
