Illinois
James Beard Award finalists littered with Illinois bars, restaurants and chefs
FDA bans food additive Red No. 3 in food and drinks
Amid concerns the additive causes cancer, the FDA is implementing a ban on a popular food dye used in candy and cakes.
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Chefs, restaurants and restaurateurs from Illinois have been an announced for the annual James Beard awards.
The finalists were recently announced.
The competition is considered to be one of the nation’s most prestigious honors in the food industry.
Here’s what to know.
What semifinalists were nominated from Illinois?
- Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern, Chicago – Best Restaurant Semifinalist
- Lee Wolen of Boka, Chicago – Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton
- Galit, Chicago – Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water
- Jacob Potashnick of Feld, Chicago – Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
- Cariño, Chicago – Best New Restaurant
- Leigh Omilinsky of Daisies, Chicago – Outstanding pastry Chef
- Elske, Chicago – Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Kumiko, Chicago – Outstanding Bar
- Bisous, Chicago – Best New Bar
- Truce, Chicago – Best New Bar
- Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon of Scratch Brewing, Ava – Outstanding Professional in Beverage Services
- Thomas Kakalios of Asador Bastian, Chicago – Outstanding Professional in Beverage Services
- Christopher Marty of Best Intentions, Chicago – Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Services
Are there any ties to Springfield?
Yes. Boka Restaurant Group was founded by Rob Katz and Springfield native Kevin Boehm in 2002. Boehm has established himself as one of the world’s foremost hospitality visionaries, opening 40 restaurants over the past three decades.
About the James Beard Awards
The James Beard Awards recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
What do winners receive?
Along with the prestige of winning, all James Beard Award winners receive a certificate, and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia.
When will winners be announced?
The list will be narrowed down in the coming weeks, with the final nominees made public in April. The winners will be announced in June in Chicago.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
Illinois
Illinois State Police investigating fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez by ICE agents in Franklin Park
Illinois State Police are now investigating federal agents on the front lines of last year’s immigration sweep around Chicago known as “Operation Midway Blitz.”
ISP confirmed they’re investigating the death of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, who was shot “at close range” by a federal agent in Franklin Park last September.
ICE agents said Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, originally from Mexico, was trying to flee when they attempted to stop his vehicle, and he tried to ram agents with his car.
Franklin Park police asked the state police to open the investigation shortly after receiving new information from the Illinois Accountability Commission last week.
The Cook County State’s Attorney says it will play a supportive role in the ISP investigation.
The preliminary statewide average April temperature was 58.6 degrees, 6.4 degrees above the 1991–2020 normal, 7.1 degrees above the 20th Century average, 5.8 degrees above the most recent 30-year average, and the second warmest April on record statewide. The preliminary statewide total April precipitation was 6.37 inches, 2.13 inches above…
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UIC College of Nursing students celebrate graduating in Springfield
Watch as students from the University of Illinois Chicago celebrate graduating from nursing school in Springfield with a decades-old tradition.
The Illinois Product Farmers Market is set to open for the 19th season, offering locally grown food, entertainment and activities for families.
The market will run from 3:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday from May 7 to Sept. 24, excluding Aug. 13, 20 and 27, at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield, according to a community announcement.
A variety of vendors will offer fresh produce, meats, baked goods and other products processed, produced or packaged in Illinois.
The market is presented by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in partnership with several sponsors, including the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Lincoln Land Community College and Springfield Clinic.
Opening day will feature food and activities for families
Opening day will feature several food options, including barbecue from Nuthatch Hill BBQ, burgers from Edinburgers and mini donuts from Johnnie O’s Mini Donuts.
Family-friendly activities will include a Touch-A-Truck event, free balloon animals, face painting, yard games and a visit from the Springfield Art Association Make Truck.
Live music will be provided by Not Petty, and prize drawings will be held throughout the event.
Each visitor will receive a free reusable Illinois Product Market bag, and the Illinois Product Buy Local Prize Wheel will offer a chance to win prizes from Skateland, Happy Hour Pilates, the Aberham Lincoln Presidential Museum, HyVee, Illinois wineries and more.
Market offers LINK match program and weekly raffles
The market will offer a LINK match program. According to the announcement, for every dollar spent using LINK, customers will receive an additional dollar in LINK match to spend on fruits and vegetables.
Weekly raffles will offer $10 in “MarketCash” and an Illinois Product Basket.
Vendor space is still available
Space is still available for vendors interested in participating in the 2026 market. Those interested can contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at agr.farmersmarket@illinois.gov.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
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