On March 29th, the James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for the 2023 James Beard Awards. Chicago is not only hosting North-America’s most important culinary event of the year, our city is also well represented in several categories. Let’s meet Chicago’s nominees for a James Beard Award!
Emerging Chef
Chicago’s executive chef at Virtue Restaurant, Damarr Brown, has been nominated for the Emerging Chef category. This award recognizes exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability in a chef who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come. Brown has earned critical acclaim in the Chicago food scene for his innovative cuisine, grounded in Southern tradition.
Outstanding Hospitality
Sepia is nominated in this category that celebrates a restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff, that serves as a beacon for the community, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.
Best Chef: Great Lakes
Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería) and the ever-amazing Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Kasama) have been nominated for Best Chef:Great Lakes. The three other nominees are all based in Detroit. This is one of the categories we are very excited about!
Best New Restaurant
Obélix, a modern brasserie that blends classic French techniques with contemporary flavors, has received a nomination for Best New Restaurant. The restaurant, located in River North, offers an elevated dining experience and has quickly become a favorite among foodies in Chicago.
The 2023 James Beard Awards recognize Chicago’s culinary scene as a force to be reckoned with. Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, said, “Chicagoans know how special the restaurant scene is in Chicago, so the James Beard Foundation’s continued recognition is an honor. We look forward to hosting the James Beard Awards for another year in our great city with this year’s impressive group of nominees, winners, and honorees.”
Mark your calendars for June 5th, and visit the official website for more information about the James Beard Foundation and the Awards.
