The James Beard Foundation has announced that Chicago will host its prestigious awards gala ceremony for two more years.
The first-ever James Beard Awards to be held outside of New York City will take place on May 4 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The announcement means the ceremony will be held in Chicago in both 2016 and 2017.
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“Ever since we announced last year that Chicago would host the JBF Restaurant and Chef Awards Gala for its 25th anniversary, our great city has been electric with excitement and anticipation,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement. “Chicago has a rich history with the Foundation, delivering restaurant and chef winners 23 out of 24 years with more than 40 James Beard Award winners to date. We are so proud to be welcoming this most prestigious of events for two more years.”
“We received a groundswell of enthusiastic support from chefs, restaurateurs, and sponsors all across the country when we announced that the silver anniversary of the Awards would take place in Chicago,” said Susan Ungaro, President of the James Beard Foundation. “The entire city of Chicago has proven to be a generous and creative partner in planning this year’s Awards. Returning for two more years is not only exciting, but offers continuity for even more opportunities for our Foundation’s most important event of the year.
The James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields.
