St. Louis receives 7 James Beard Award semifinal nominations

The James Beard Foundation released its list of restaurant and chef award semifinalists Wednesday, and seven names from the St. Louis area are up for consideration.

These awards are considered among the most prestigious in the culinary world. Named in honor of the American chef and television personality, the James Beard Awards recognize “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and the broader food system, as well as “a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the foundation’s website.

Here is the list of local semi-finalists this year:

Outstanding restaurateur
One of the foundation’s flagship awards, this category honors “a restaurateur who uses his or her establishment(s) as a vehicle for community development, who demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations . » St. Louis restaurateur and former James Beard Award winner Gerard Craft is on the list for his Niche food group (Brewery, Pastaria, None of the above and others).

Emerging chef
This category honors “a leader who demonstrates exceptional talent, character and leadership ability, and who is likely to have a significant impact in the years to come.” Jane Sacro Chatham, ViciaSaint-Louis, is on the list.

Exceptional bakery
The foundation commends a bakery serving “breads, pastries or desserts that demonstrate consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations.” Nathaniel Reid BakeryKirkwoodis on this list.

Outstanding Beverage Service Professional
This new category for 2025 honors service professionals who “set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation and hospitality; strives to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an outstanding example or mentor to other beverage professionals. Two local names appeared on the list: Natasha Bahrami of the gin room in Saint-Louis and Alisha Blackwell-Calvert of Madrina in Webster Groves.

Prime: Scratch Brewing Company in southeastern Illinois, also falls into this category.

Best Chef: Midwest
This category is described by the foundation as being made up of “chefs who set high standards in culinary skills and leadership abilities and who strive to help create a sustainable work culture.” The Midwest region includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Nick Bognar of Sado in Saint-Louis and Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box in Webster Groves was on the list.

Find the complete list award categories and semifinalists from the James Beard Foundation on the organization’s website. Finalists will be announced on April 2 and winners will be named at a gala in June.