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SoCal snags 19 James Beard nominations, led by repeat contenders and rising stars
Afro-Caribbean shrimp dumplings in coconut bisque with coconut rice at Si! Mon in Venice. Chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas is a first-time James Beard nominee in the emerging chef category.
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Gab Chabrán
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LAist
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Topline:
This year’s James Beard semifinalists were announced today, with SoCal making a strong showing in what many consider the Oscars of the food world.
Among the standouts:
Outstanding bakery: Gusto Bread (Long Beach), a three-time nominee
Emerging chef: Fátima Juárez of Komal (Mercado La Paloma) and José Olmedo Carles Rojas of Si! Mon (Venice)
Outstanding chef: Niki Nakayama from n/naka (Palms) and Gilberto Cetina from Holbox (Mercado La Paloma)
Outstanding restaurant: Antico Nuovo (Larchmont)
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Best new restaurant: Ki (Little Tokyo) and RVR (Venice)
Best Chef: California
- Dave Beran, Seline (Santa Monica)
- Brian Dunsmoor, Dunsmoor (Glassell Park)
- Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer, Kismet (Los Feliz)
- Andrew Muñoz and Michelle Muñoz, Moo's Craft Barbecue (Lincoln Heights)
- Charles Namba, Camélia (Arts District)
- Kwang Uh, Baroo (DTLA)
Why it matters: The James Beard Awards are widely considered the Oscars of the food world, and nominations can significantly boost a restaurant's profile and business. Southern California's strong showing — particularly in the best chef: California category with six nominees — reflects the region's evolving culinary landscape, extending beyond fine dining to include craft molinos, barbecue joints and neighborhood bakeries.
What's next: The finalists will be chosen March 31, and the ultimate winners will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15.
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