Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
LA and OC Restaurateurs Get Lots Of Love From James Beard Foundation
Malai rigatoni sauced with tomato masala, cream, and coriander
(
Shahab “Joon” Gozarkhah (LAFoodList)
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Los Angeles and Orange County earn high marks in the semi-finalists category for the James Beard Foundation Awards, akin to the Oscars of the food industry.
Who's made the shortlist?: A whole slew of local chefs and restaurants:
- Outstanding Chef category: Niki Nakayama, who specializes in modern Japanese kaiseki cuisine at her restaurant, n/naka.
- Emerging Chef category: Rashida Holmes of the Caribbean pop-up Bridgetown Roti.
- Outstanding Restaurateur category: Greg Dulan, owner of the beloved Inglewood-based soul-food institution Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen.
- Best New Restaurant category: Indian sports bar Pijja Palace, and Korean-American restaurant Yangban Society were both recognized.
Why it matters: The James Beard Foundation Award is the highest American honor for restaurants, wine and bar programs, and chefs. It's typically viewed second only to Michelin Guide, which nominates restaurants from around the world.
The backstory: It wasn't too long ago that Los Angeles and its surrounding areas were persona non grata for the JBFA, so it's refreshing to see so many hometown-based operations get their recognition.
What's next: Winners will be announced in June.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
