The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the semifinalists for the organization’s annual awards, with seven Georgia-based chefs and one Atlanta restaurant among the list of nominees.
The James Beard Awards are considered to be one of the most prestigious culinary industry honors in the nation. The awards are designed to “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community [and] sustainability,” according to the foundation’s website.
The semifinalists were determined by open submissions, as well as recommendations from the general public and the foundation’s voting body.
The crème de la crème of Georgia chefs and culinary artists found themselves recognized in three of the James Beard Awards’ 22 categories:
Outstanding Chef
Atsushi Hayakawa – Hayakawa – Atlanta – Japanese
Outstanding Hospitality
Cooks & Soldiers – Atlanta – Spanish/French
Best Chef Southeast
Pete Amadhanirundr – Puma Yu’s – Athens – Asian
Arnaldo Castillo – Tio Lucho’s – Atlanta – Peruvian
Erika Council – Bomb Biscuit Co. – Atlanta – Southern/ Breakfast
Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang – Talat Market – Atlanta – Thai
Duane Nutter – Southern National – Atlanta – Fine Dining
In addition, Kimball Brienza and Stephen Palmer of Charleston, South Carolina, are nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur for O-Ku Sushi, which also has a location in Midtown Atlanta.
Many of the semifinalists have become well-known in the Atlanta food industry in the past few years.
Council found her critically acclaimed restaurant placed in The New York Times’ list of 50 best restaurants in America for 2023. Also in 2023, Atsushi Hayakawa was awarded a Michelin Star, another highly acclaimed honor in the food and restaurant industry, for his namesake establishment.
Castillo has also become a favorite with Atlanta foodies for his authentic flavor style.
The local James Beard semifinalists have been celebrating the honor on social media since Wednesday’s announcement.
“Huge congratulations to our Chef Nutter,” said Southern National on Instagram. “Your culinary excellence and dedication to the art of cooking have truly set a high standard. We’re thrilled to see your talents recognized on such a prestigious platform.”
“We recently got nominated for a James Beard Award and we are seeing a lot of new people here,” wrote Talat Market co-chef Parnass Savang. “Talat’s journey has had ups and downs but we keep fighting to keep the dream of a Thai home alive.”
The James Beard Award nominees are expected to be announced on April 3, and winners will be named at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 in Chicago, Illinois.
