The Culinary Industry’s Top Prize. Credit: James Beard Foundation
The culinary stars aligned in Chicago on the evening of May 7 to honor the industry’s best and brightest during the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards. Chefs, restaurateurs and tastemakers from across the country were recognized for their influence, innovation and sheer ingenuity around the kitchen.
Forbes Travel Guide’s Star-Rated venues shone bright during the black-tie affair that was emceed The Chew’s Carla Hall — and it’s no surprise, given that a commitment to quality and service is what earned these esteemed eateries and talented toques their coveted stars in the first place.
Chef José Andrés. Credit: Ryan Forbes
In addition to the accolades that were handed out across the evening — medallions were issued in categories that ranged from restaurant design to outstanding bar program — multi-James Beard Award-winning chef José Andrés of Bazaar Meat fame was named the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year for his tireless work serving more than 3 million meals (alongside volunteers of his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen) in Puerto Rico to those affected by Hurricane Maria.
While we’d like to congratulate all of this year’s honorees, we have to save a special place at the table for this year’s Forbes Travel Guide Star-Rated James Beard Award winners and nominees:
Outstanding Restaurateur Winner
Caroline Styne
The Lucques Group (Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Lucques, A.O.C., Tavern and others)
Los Angeles
Outstanding Chef Nominees
David Kinch
Five-Star Manresa
Los Gatos, California
Christopher Kostow
Five-Star The Restaurant at Meadowood
St. Helena, California
Quince. Credit: Quince
Outstanding Restaurant Nominee
Four-Star Quince
San Francisco
Outstanding Service Nominee
Five-Star Saison
San Francisco
The Little Nell’s Wine Cellar. Credit: The Little Nell
Outstanding Wine Program Nominee
Five-Star The Little Nell
Aspen, Colorado
Best Chef — Mid-Atlantic Nominee
Cindy Wolf
Four-Star Charleston
Baltimore
Chef Cassidee Dabney. Credit: beall + thomas photography
Best Chef — Southeast Nominee
Cassidee Dabney
Four-Star The Barn at Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
Best Chef — West Nominee
Michael Cimarusti
Four-Star Providence
Los Angeles
For a full list of winners, click here.
