Arguably one of the most famous awards in the restaurant and food industry in the county, the James Beard Awards, announced this year's semifinalists on Wednesday, some of which are located in the Bay Area.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
The James Beard Awards "recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive," according to Wednesday's release.
The awards have in previous years been criticized for a lack of diversity, leading to the 2020 awards being canceled altogether and a full review of the foundation's practices, according to reporting by Berkeleyside's Nosh publication.
This year's awards are the first ones since the upheaval, and it appears as if the organization has made an effort to find candidates that better reflect diversity and equity.
Only one Bay Area restaurateur made it as a semifinalist for the category of "Outstanding Restaurateur," Willy Ng, of Koi Palace, Dragon Beaux, and Palette Tea House in San Francisco. The criteria for "Outstanding Restaurateur," includes, "a restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture. Must have been in the restaurant business for at least five years, and they must not have been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Chef Award in the past three years."
Each category has its own bar that contenders must meet.
For "Outstanding Chef," the criteria is, "a chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals," and Reem Assil, with a restaurant in Oakland and San Francisco, was nominated.
The next category with Bay Area candidates is "Emerging Chef," essentially a chef that sets a good example and is likely to make a significant impact in the industry in the future. Crystal Wahpepah of Oakland's Wahpepah’s Kitchen and David Yoshimura of Nisei in San Francisco were both nominated.
For "Best New Restaurant," Horn Barbecue in Oakland and ABACÁ in San Francisco made it to the semifinals.
The other categories included 11 San Francisco and Oakland nominees, which can be viewed on the James Beard Foundation website. The winners will be announced June 13.
LISTEN to KCBS Radio
FAVORITE KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
