Illinois
James Beard Award finalists littered with Illinois bars, restaurants and chefs
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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