NEW ORLEANS – Each year, the James Beard Foundation highlights those making waves in the culinary industry. Though biases may come into play, to us, it’s no secret that New Orleans and its culinary giants make the list.
Said in a press release about the semifinalists:
The James Beard Foundation® announced its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists in advance of the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. The full list of 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists can be found below and on the James Beard Foundation website. Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 3, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. The James Beard Awards honor those who are creating exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, while demonstrating a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
“We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent restaurant industry as a whole. Congratulations to our 2024 semifinalists and best of luck this Awards cycle!”
“We are so excited to honor this year’s semifinalists who embody the spirit of excellence that defines the James Beard Awards,” said Dawn Padmore, vice president of awards. “I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years to come. Thank you to the committees, judges, our team, and our partners who help make the Awards happen. And a special thanks to the culinary community who continue to show up and push our industry forward.”
The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards celebrate excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems and emerging talents to established luminaries. The Restaurant and Chef Awards—established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991—is one of five separate recognition programs of the James Beard Awards. The James Beard Awards policies and procedures can be viewed here and an overview of the voting process can be viewed here.
“On behalf of the Restaurant and Chef Awards Subcommittee, congratulations to all of the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists—each of whom represent a unique and inspiring contribution to our industry and food culture,” said Restaurant and Chef Awards Subcommittee Co-Chairs Lauren Saria and Allecia Vermillion. “And thank you to the voting body for their dedication and hard work determining a truly phenomenal list of talent.”
New Orleans chefs and restaurants semifinalists:
Outstanding Restaurateur: A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture while contributing positively to their broader community.
● Robert LeBlanc, LeBlanc + Smith (Sylvain, The Chloe, The Will & The Way, and others), New Orleans, LA
Best New Restaurant: A restaurant opened between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community. Establishments that have opened after September 30, 2023 can be considered for the 2025 Awards.*
● Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA
Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines: A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.
● Arnaud’s, New Orleans, LA
Outstanding Bar: A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, and contributing positively to its broader community.
● Jewel of the South, New Orleans, LA
Best Chefs presented by Capital One (by region): Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions, while contributing positively to their broader community.
● Melissa Araujo, Alma Cafe, New Orleans, LA
● Amarys Herndon and Jordan Herndon, Palm&Pine, New Orleans, LA
● Sophina Uong, Mister Mao, New Orleans, LA
● Arvinder Vilkhu, Saffron, New Orleans, LA
● Marlon “Chicken” Williams, Chicken’s Kitchen, Gretna, LA
Upcoming Awards announcements (dates may be subject to change):
● Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Restaurant and Chef America’s Classics Award winners
● Wednesday, April 3, 2024: Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees and Achievement Awards honorees (Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Leadership Awards) announced live at Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.
● Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Nominees for the James Beard Media Awards
The 2024 Awards ceremonies will be held in our proud host city of Chicago on the following dates:
● Saturday, June 8, 2024: Media Awards at Columbia College Chicago Student Center
● Sunday, June 9, 2024: Leadership Awards at The Dalcy
● Monday, June 10, 2024: Restaurant and Chef Awards at The Lyric Opera
For the full list of semifinalists from around the country, click here.
