18 IL Restaurants, Chefs Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists

ILLINOIS — Eighteen Illinois restaurants and chefs were named 2024 James Beard semifinalists, the organization said Wednesday.

The James Beard Foundation awards, sometimes known as the “Oscars of food,” are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. It recognizes eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the organization said. They also demonstrate a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Categories include outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, emerging chef, best new restaurant, outstanding bakery, outstanding pastry chef or baker, outstanding hospitality, outstanding wine and other beverages program, outstanding bar and best chef.

In Illinois, the following restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists this year:

Outstanding Restaurateurs

• Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas Uruapan, Chicago
• Nicolas Poilevey and Oliver Poilevey, Obelix, Le Bouchon, and Taqueria Chingón, Chicago

Outstanding Chef

• John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth, Chicago

Outstanding Restaurant

• The Duck Inn, Chicago

Emerging Chef

• Zubair Mohajir, The Coach House by Wazwan, Chicago

Best New Restaurant

• Atelier, Chicago

Outstanding Bakery

• Loba Pastry+Coffee, Chicago

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Anna Posey, Elske, Chicago

Outstanding Hospitality

• Lula Cafe, Chicago

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

• Middle Brow, Chicago

Outstanding Bars

• Scratch Brewing Company, Ava

Best Chefs — Great Lakes

• Diana Dávila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojería, Chicago
• Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant, Chicago
• Joe Frillman, Daisies, Chicago
• James Martin, Bocadillo Market, Chicago
• Sujan Sarkar, Indienne, Chicago
• Jenner Tomaska, Esme, Chicago
• Donald Young, Duck Sel, Chicago

"We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a news release.

See also: These Are The Best Restaurants In America, According To Tourists

The restaurant and chef awards celebrate excellence from a wide variety of eateries and experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established luminaries.

The awards were established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991.

This year marks the third since the organization made sweeping changes following a 2021 audit to address longstanding bias.

Outstanding restaurateur recognizes people who use their establishment as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, integrity in their restaurant operations and strives to create a sustainable work culture, while making positive contributions to the community.

The outstanding chef category recognizes chefs who set “high culinary standards” and serve as a positive example for other food professionals, while making an impact on the broader community.

The outstanding restaurant category honors eateries that have a proven track record of excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, and make a difference in the community.