North Bay Couple Named Finalist For Best Chef: James Beard Awards

HEALDSBURG, CA — Kyle and Katina Connaughton, owners of SingleThread in Healdsburg, are among five finalists for the 2023 Best Chef In California award, the James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday.

The award recognizes chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions, while contributing positively to their broader community.

SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn, 131 North St. in Healdsburg, is a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant. Guests at the "destination" restaurant are treated to an 11-course tasting menu, showcasing the seasonal bounty from the couple’s farm.

They must be doing something — or everything — right because for the Connaughtons, the accolades keep coming. In July, SingleThread was named among The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2022. In January, the James Beard Foundation announced the couple was among 20 semifinalists for this year's Best Chef In California.

Here are the finalists for the Best Chef In California:

• Gilberto Cetina Jr., Holbox, Los Angeles, CA
• Kyle and Katina Connaughton, SingleThread, Healdsburg, CA
• Brandon Hayato Go, Hayato, Los Angeles, CA
• Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks, CA
• Carlos Salgado, Taco María, Costa Mesa, CA

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 23 categories.

Winners will be announced June 5 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.