Today, the James Beard Foundation announced its shortlist for the 2017 James Beard Awards, with Chicago earning nine nominations as well as one design and one television segment nomination. This is down from 2016's fourteen nominations (which netted us three winners) and again doesn't include Lost Lake, Logan Square's tiki darling, in the shortlist for "Outstanding Bar Program"—a disappointment for us as Paul McGee's tiki program is unparalleled in the city and is deserving of more national recognition.
Other omissions from the previously released semifinalist list include all of Chicago's nods in the "Best New Restaurant" category, where Oriole (which we gave five stars), Roister (another five star from us) and Smyth did not make the cut. However, Chicago did sweep the "Best Chef: Great Lakes" category for another year, ensuring that Chicago will be taking home at least one award this year. The awards ceremony will take place at the Lyric Opera House on May 1. Take a look at the full list of Chicago nominations below:
Television Segment: ABC 7 News – The Hungry Hound, Host Steve Dolinsky
76 Seats and Over (For the best restaurant design or renovation in North America since January 1, 2014): AvroKO (Kristina O'Neal, Adam Farmerie, Greg Bradshaw, William Harris) for Momotaro
Outstanding Baker: Greg Wade, Publican Quality Bread
Outstanding Restaurant: Topolobampo
Outstanding Restaurateur: Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Girl & The Goat, Momotaro and others)
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jenner Tomaska, Next
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH):
Abraham Conlon, Fat Rice
Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde
Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, Parachute
Lee Wolen, Boka
Erling Wu-Bower, Nico Osteria
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