Overview
- The long list spans key categories including Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Restaurateur, Best New Restaurant, Best New Bar, regional Best Chef divisions, and beverage and pastry awards.
- Chicago counted 23 semifinalist nods, while Northern California logged roughly 23 Bay Area selections plus one in Auburn after several years without wins in chef and restaurant categories.
- Colorado recorded 17 semifinalist nominations and the Houston area tallied 12, with additional slates reported across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, Michigan, and other regions.
- Finalists will be named on March 31, with winners revealed June 15 at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
- The Foundation characterized the release as part of its 40th-year celebration, and coverage reiterates the awards’ standing as among the most prestigious honors in U.S. dining.