10 CA Restaurants And Chefs Are James Beard Awards Nominees

CALIFORNIA — The culinary scene in California is well-represented in the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation.

California nominees are:

• Chez Noir, Carmel-by-the-Sea, for Best New Restaurant (opened between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023);
• Gusto Bread, Long Beach, for Outstanding Bakery;
• The Morris, San Francisco, for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program;
• Strong Water Anaheim, Anaheim, for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program;
• Pacific Cocktail Haven, San Francisco, for Outstanding Bar;
• Geoff Davis, Burdell, Oakland, for Best Chef - California;
• Rogelio Garcia, Auro, Calistoga, for Best Chef - California;
• Lord Maynard Llera, Kuya Lord, Los Angeles, for Best Chef - California;
• Tara Monsod, Animae, San Diego, for Best Chef - California;
• Buu "Billy" Ngo, Kru, Sacramento, for Best Chef - California.

In addition, Mai Nguyen of Farmer Mai in Upper Lake is among the 2024 Leadership Awards honorees, for sustainability. Former Los Angeles Times food critic Ruth Reichl will receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are often regarded as the “Oscars of culinary arts.” They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 22 categories.

Winners will be announced June 10 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.