The prestigious James Beard Award semifinalists have been released and once again, the Twin Cities food community is well represented.
Highlighting the Minnesota contributions is Daniel del Prado of Porzana who is up for the Outstanding Chef in the nation, a who's-who of acclaimed restauranteurs across the U.S.
Also getting national recognition are Oro By Nixta in the best new restaurant category, best bar for Meteor, and Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris out of St. Paul in the pastry chef-baker category.
In 2022, a Owamni, the nation's first indigenous eater, took home the best new restaurant from the Beard Foundation, so Minnesota is no stranger to huge national accolades.
The final nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 3, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Outstanding Chef (National)
Daniel del Prado, Porzana, Minneapolis, MN
Best New Restaurant (National)
Oro by Nixta, Minneapolis, MN
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker (National)
Marc Heu, Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris, St. Paul, MN
Best Bar (National)
Meteor, Minneapolis, MN
Best Chef (Midwest)
Ann Ahmed, Khâluna, Minneapolis, MN
Christina Nguyen, Hai Hai, Minneapolis, MN
Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel, St. Paul, MN
Check out the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists here.