Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Here Are The LA Finalists For The 2019 James Beard Awards

Los Angeles has half a dozen chefs and three restaurants still in contention for a 2019 James Beard Award. After the semifinalists were announced a month ago, the judges whittled down the contenders. The finalists for these awards, the Oscars of the food world, were announced this morning at Houston restaurant Hugo's. The honors will be handed out at a gala in Chicago on Monday, May 6.
One fun note: The JBF added a new award, Quick Bite To Eat, that honors food trucks, pop-ups and other non-traditional food ventures.
Let's get to it!
Best Chef
This category is divided into 10 regions, with one winner per region. Los Angeles falls under West, which covers California, Nevada and Hawaii. Los Angeles had four finalists in this category:
- Michael Cimarusti - Providence, Hollywood
- Jeremy Fox - Rustic Canyon, Santa Monica
- Jessica Koslow - Sqirl, Silver Lake
- Travis Lett - Gjelina, Venice
Unfortunately, four incredibly talented SoCal chefs who were named as semifinalists didn't make it to the finals: Genet Agonafer (Meals by Genet), Niki Nakayama (n/naka), Carlos Salgado (Taco María) and Kris Yenbamroong (Night + Market).

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Margarita Manzke is nominated for her work at République but before the James Beard judges pick a winner, we think they need to try her amazing buko pie at Sari Sari Store.
- Margarita Manzke - République, Miracle Mile
Rising Star Chef of the Year
This award honors a chef, age 30 or younger. Los Angeles had only one semifinalist in this category and Jonathan Yao made it to the finals.
- Jonathan Yao - Kato, West L.A.
Outstanding Wine Program
Although Kris Yenbamroong didn't make it to the finals in the Best Chef category, his quirky, fantastic wine list got a well deserved nod.
- Night + Market - West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Venice
Best New Restaurant
This award honors a restaurant that opened in 2018 and "already demonstrates excellence in cuisine and hospitality, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come."
- Bavel, downtown L.A.
- Majordomo, Chinatown

Outstanding Bar Program
- Old Lightning, in Marina Del Rey, didn't make it past the semifinals so L.A. has no nominees in this category.
Outstanding Service
- n/naka was a semifinalist in this category but didn't make it to the finals.
Outstanding Restaurant
- Park's BBQ was a semifinalist in this category but didn't make it to the finals.
Outstanding Baker
- no SoCal noms in this category
Outstanding Chef
- no SoCal noms in this category
Outstanding Restaurateur
- no SoCal noms in this category
Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer
- no SoCal noms in this category
You can find a full list of finalists and read more about how the awards are judged on the JBF website.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure.
-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter.
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
-
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected.
-
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi.
-
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.