Westport Chef Among James Beard Awards Nominees

WESTPORT, CT — A Westport chef has been nominated for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards by the James Beard Foundation.

Brian Lewis of The Cottage is the only chef from Connecticut to receive a nomination.

Lewis owns Full House Hospitality Group, and earned an associate degree in occupational studies from The Culinary Institute of America, followed by a bachelor’s degree in food service management from Johnson & Wales University. He apprenticed under Chef Jean Louis Palladin at the Watergate Hotel, Marco Pierre White at The Criterion & Mirabelle, and Chef Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin, among others.

2025 is an important milestone for the James Beard Foundation: It’s the 35th anniversary of the awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors. Awards will be presented in 25 categories this year, with an expanded focus on cocktail and beverage service.

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 Monday, June 16, in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.