Three Chicago chefs and one Chicago restaurant have been selected as finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.
The 2024 nominees for the coveted James Beard Restuarant and Chef Awards were announced Wednesday. Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony June 10 at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, the release said.
Chicago makes its first appearance on the list of finalists under the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category, with Elske’s Anna Posey nominated.
Lula Café, located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, was nominated in the Outstanding Hospitality category. And two chefs were nominated for best chef: Great Lakes Region: Sujan Sarkar, from Indian; and Jenner Tomaska, from Esmé.
In 2023, Indienne joins Esmé on the list of one Michelin star restaurants in Chicago. Lula Cafe also appears in the 2023 Chicago Michelin Guide as a “Bib Gourmand” choice.
In January, the James Beard Foundation released its list of semifinalists for the 2024 awards. Chicago has appeared on that list 19 times, in categories including Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Restaurant and Best New Restaurant.
According to Wednesday’s announcement, only four restaurants and chefs were selected.
In 2023, six Chicago chefs across five restaurants earned a spot on the final list of nominees, and three chefs won awards.
Find the full list of 2024 nominees here.
NBC Chicago
