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  • Food
    2025 James Beard nominees
    SoCal has 5 finalists in the Oscars of food
    By  Suzanne Levy
    Published April 2, 2025 11:07 AM

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    The Coquito at Redbird in DTLA, which made the finalist list for cocktail service.
    (
    Courtesy Redbird
    )

    Topline:

    The James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef award nominees for 2025 are out, and five in L.A. and O.C. have been recognized.

    How it works: From this finalist list, winners from each category will be picked and announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 16.

    Keep reading... for the local nominees and categories they're vying in.

    The James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef award nominees for 2025 are out, and five L.A. and O.C. eateries have been recognized in their categories.

    James Beard finalists in Los Angeles and Orange counties are:

    Best Chef: (in California)

    • Daniel Castillo from Heritage Barbeque in San Juan Capistrano
    • Jon Yao Kato, from Kato in DTLA

    Outstanding Professional in Cocktail service: (Nationwide)

    • Tobin Shea, Redbird in DTLA

    Outstanding Bakery: (Nationwide)

    • Gusto, Long Beach

    Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: (Nationwide)

    • Strong Water, Anaheim

    From this finalist list, winners from each category will be picked and announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 16.

    Last year, the best chef in California was awarded to Lord Maynard Llera, owner of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles.

    To see the complete list, visit the James Beard website.
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