After a two year hiatus because of the COVID pandemic, the James Beard Awards ceremony honoring outstanding culinary achievements returned to Chicago Monday night. A chef from Chicago's South Side was among the winners.
Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant and Bar in Hyde Park was named the best chef in the Great Lakes region.
During his acceptance speech, Williams said the award honored “the many trailblazers that were looked over … discarded … [and] discounted” who came before him and made success possible for chefs of color.
Williams credited those predecessors with making it possible for him and others to create food that feeds the heart, mind, spirit and soul of their communities.
He also praised the James Beard Foundation, which has been examining the issues of diversity and inclusion in the nomination process for the award.
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