Nation's top chefs, restaurants will be honored at tonight's James Beard Awards

James Beard Awards
Donnie Madia (L) and Kevin Boehm speak onstage during the 2022 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards at Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo credit Jeff Schear/Getty Images for James Beard Foundation

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Just in time for dinner, the James Beard Awards will be announced from the Lyric Opera of Chicago tonight starting at 5:30 p.m.

An audit started two years ago aims to address bias in nominations and allow anonymous complaints against chefs whose behavior may get them disqualified.  The New York Times reports that has led to finalist Timothy Hontzas being disqualified as Best Chef, while another chef was investigated but remains in the running.

A push for greater geographic diversity means there are no finalists in the outstanding restaurant category from Chicago, New York City or the entire state of California.

Chefs from Mi Tocaya Antojería and Kasama in Chicago are up for Best Chef in the Great Lakes Region. Sepia in the West Loop is up for Outstanding Hospitality. Damarr Brown of Virtue in Hyde Park is up for Emerging Chef.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for James Beard Foundation