They’re affectionately referred to as the “Oscars of the culinary world,” and today, twelve of Chicago’s finest in the business were named finalists for the 2016 James Beard Awards.
The biggest (and most welcome) recognition came in the category of “best chef Great Lakes,” in which Chicago made a clean sweep with all five finalist nominations going to award-winning toques in our fair city. They include:
Abraham Conlon (Fat Rice)
Curtis Duffy (Grace)
Lee Wolen (Boka)
Erling Wu-Bower (Nico Osteria)
Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia)
The rest of the Chicago nominees include:
Outstanding Restaurant: Alinea
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jenner Tomaska (Next)
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Meg Galus (Boka)
Outstanding Restaurateur: Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz (Boka Restaurant Group)
Outstanding Service: North Pond; Topolobampo
Outstanding Wine Program: Sepia
The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony May 2 at the Civic Opera House. Tickets for the event go on sale March 22 at www.jamesbeard.org/awards/tickets.
