Here Are Los Angeles’s 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists

by liverichly

15 Comments

  1. liverichly

    The list:

    **Best Chef: California**

    * Evan Algorri, Etra, Los Angeles, California
    * Danielle Duran Zecca, Amiga Amore, Los Angeles, California
    * Daniel Castillo, Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano, California
    * Elvia Garcia and Alex Garcia, Evil Cooks, Los Angeles, California
    * Melissa López, Barra Santos, Los Angeles, California
    * Charles Namba, Camélia, Los Angeles, California
    * Kwang Uh, Baroo, Los Angeles, California
    * Jon Yao, Kato, Los Angeles, California

    **Outstanding Restaurateur**

    * Daisy Ryan and Greg Ryan, Companion Hospitality (Bell’s, Bar Le Cote, Priedite BBQ, and others), Los Alamos, California

    **Outstanding Chef**

    * Gilberto Cetina, Holbox, Los Angeles, California

    **Outstanding Restaurant**

    * Pasjoli, Santa Monica, California

    **Emerging Chef**

    * Jesus “Chuy” Cervantes, Damian, Los Angeles, California

    **Best New Restaurant**

    * Bridgetown Roti, Los Angeles, California

    **Outstanding Bakery**

    * Gusto Bread

    **Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker**

    * Nicole Rucker, Fat + Flour, Los Angeles, California

    **Outstanding Hospitality**

    * République, Los Angeles, California

    **Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program**

    * Strong Water, Anaheim, California

    **Outstanding Bar**

    * Thunderbolt, Los Angeles, California

    **Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service**

    * Tobin Shea, Redbird, Los Angeles, California

  2. planb7615

    For the categories that have 1 nom, does that mean that they have won?

  3. ElderMillenial00

    Am I missing something with Gusto Bread? Drove all the way down there for very mediocre concha, guava turnover, empanada, and bolilo.

  4. I hope the announcements help gin up some traffic for all the nominees!

  5. Republique for best hospitality? The place where you line up for half an hour to order at the counter and then fight other customers for a spot to sit at one of the giant communal tables?

  6. kevperz08

    Yay Nicole Rucker. Fat+flour pies are next level

  7. IAmPandaRock

    Is Outstanding Chef lower than Best Chef: CA? If not, how is Chef Gilberto not nominated for Best Chef: CA as well?

  8. addicted2_urmom

    Can someone tell me all the rage about thunderbolt? I’ve been once and wasn’t very impressed but would give it another chance.

  9. I was eating at Holbox yesterday, and Chef Cetina mentioned the nomination but didn’t seem very optimistic. He was like, “I don’t have much luck with the James Beard people.” Here’s hoping this year is different!

  10. sprokolopolis

    Just a heads-up that Thunderbolt’s menu is entirely Gluten Free! The Buttermilk Biscuits are tasty.

  11. dark_rabbit

    Nothing for Dunsmoor? Anyone else surprised?

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