www.jamesbeard.org/blog

A James Beard Award is the highest honor in the culinary world, and rewards those who are dedicated to the industry, including not only chefs and restaurateurs, but also food bloggers and cookbook writers. The foundation has acknowledged and honored excellence in the food and beverage industries since 1990. 

The Beard Awards have recognized celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay, and may honor a few nominees from Los Angeles come May. 

In the category “Outstanding Pastry Chef,” Los Angeles native Dahlia Narvaez of Osteria Mozza is one of five nominated. Narvaez serves as executive pastry chef at Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza, working alongside former Beard winner and Mozza owner, Nancy Silverton. 

But perhaps, the “Outstanding Chef Award” will go to Suzanne Goin, owner of Lucques on Melrose. In 2008, Los Angeles Magazine featured Lucques at the top of their list of L.A.’s 75 Best Restaurants. Lucques is one of four restaurants Goin owns in the area.

Michael Cimarusti is co-owner and executive chef at Providence. He’s also nominated for the “Best Chef in America” award in the Pacific region. 

The Beard journalism award nominees included food writers from LA Weekly and Los Angeles Magazine. 

Although not everyone can be in final running for an award, there are a significant amount of semi-finalists. Los Angeles restaurant semi-finalists included A-Frame and Melisse.  

Reach reporter GinaLisa here.