Chicago's Culinary Stars Shine Bright in James Beard Nominations

The city of Chicago is buzzing with excitement as five local culinary talents have been named finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards. This recognition is a big deal in the food world, celebrating the best of the best in restaurants and chefs across the nation. The awards are turning 35 this year, marking a significant milestone in honoring culinary excellence and shaping American food culture. One of the standout nominees is Kumiko, a trendy Japanese dining bar nestled in the West Loop. Julia Momosé, the creative director and partner at Kumiko, was caught off guard when she received the news. She was in the middle of some routine tasks when her phone started lighting up with notifications. Momosé had always hoped for recognition but never expected it to come so soon. She sees this nomination as a testament to the hard work and passion her team puts into every dish and drink they serve. The James Beard Awards are no small feat. They are among the most respected honors in the culinary industry, and being a finalist is a significant achievement. This year, the awards will not only celebrate the best in the business but also reflect on the transformative role they have played over the years. Alongside Kumiko, other Chicago finalists include Galit, which is up for Outstanding Restaurant. Galit is known for its unique blend of Middle Eastern flavors, earning it a Michelin star and the 2024 Restaurant of the Year title from the Jean Banchet Awards. The restaurant's co-owner, Andrés Clavero, was overjoyed and a bit speechless when he heard the news. He was in the middle of payroll when the announcement came, making the moment even more surreal. In the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, which covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, three Chicago chefs are in the running. Thai Dang of HaiSous, known for his innovative takes on Vietnamese street food, has been a semifinalist four times before. Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading, a restaurant that blends American and Asian influences, are first-time finalists. Jung described the nomination as a mix of relief and excitement, like when his favorite sports team wins a big game. Noah Sandoval of Oriole, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, is also a finalist. Sandoval's culinary skills have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2017. The finalists were selected from a list of 22 Chicago restaurants, chefs, and bars that made it to the semifinalist round in January. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago’s Civic Opera House on June 16. Last year, only one local winner emerged from the James Beard Awards, with Lula Cafe taking home the prize for Outstanding Hospitality. This year, Chicago hopes to see more of its culinary stars shine on the national stage.