The James Beard Awards, the prestigious honors in the restaurant industry, were presented on Monday night in Chicago. Established in 1991, this year’s event included significant political themes and celebrated local achievements.
Kalaya, a Philadelphia hotspot, earned the outstanding restaurant award. Michael Tusk, chef and co-owner with his wife Lindsay Tusk of Quince and Cotogna in San Francisco, received the outstanding chef award. Dana Street from the Portland, Maine restaurant group including Fore Street and Scales, was recognized as the outstanding restaurateur. Lei, located in Manhattan’s Chinatown, won the best new restaurant award.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is seeking a third term, congratulated the nominees and highlighted Chicago restaurant Smyth, which was recently named the best restaurant in North America by the World’s 50 Best organization. He spoke about the state’s diverse immigrant communities and his Ukrainian heritage, emphasizing the challenges they face. This resonated with the audience, eliciting an ovation.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also attended, affirming the city’s resilience against authoritarianism.
Adrian Torres, awarded best emerging chef for his innovative Mexican American cuisine at Maximo in Houston, expressed pride in his immigrant background and DACA recipient status, giving his speech in Spanish.
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