The the 2026 list of James Beard Award Semifinalists has been released. Quite a few representatives from Chicago on the list.
- Outstanding Restaurateur: Frank Callero, Joe Flamm, and Steven Zaleski, Day Off Group
- Outstanding Chef: Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojeria; Zachary Engel, Galit
- Outstanding Restaurant: EL Ideas; Kasama
- Emerging Chef: Nicolai Mlodinow, Class Act; Bailey Sullivan, Monteverde
- Best New Restaurant: Nadu; Nic & Junior's
- Outstanding Pastry Chef: Courtney Kenyon-Snider, Obélix
- Outstanding Hospitality: Daisies
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Brasero
- Outstanding Bar: Hopeleaf
- Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Christopher Marty, Best Intentions
- Best Chef: Great Lakes: Thai Dang, HaiSous; Norman Fenton, Cariño [woot!]; Christopher Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading; Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler, SHŌ; Nick Kleutsch and James Sanders, Sanders BBQ Supply Co.; Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir, Mirra [another woot!]; Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel, Loaf Lounge; Jacob Potashnick, Feld
Some excellent and interesting choices there.
by Busy-Dig8619
Dining and Cooking