James Beard Nominees And The Final Days Of Rudy's: MA Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — Welcome back to Patch's weekly round up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings and more in the state's dining scene.

This week was a big one for Massachusetts restaurants, bars and food industry professionals, as the James Beard Award semifinalists were announced.

In Massachusetts, 12 restaurants, chefs and cocktail professionals garnered nominations from the foundation.

They are:

Outstanding Restauranteur

• Douglass Williams, MIDA, Boston

Outstanding Chef

• Cassie Piuma, Sarma, Somerville

Best New Restaurant

• LUNE, Dennis Port
• Somaek, Boston

Best New Bar

• Equal Measure, Boston

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

• Oscar Simoza, The Wig Shop, Boston

Best Chef in the Northeast

• John Dasilva, Chickadee, Boston
• Connor Dennehy, Tallula, Cambridge
• Kwasi Kwaa, Comfort Kitchen, Boston
• Rachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn
• Erin Miller, Urban Hearth, Cambridge
• Michael Serpa, Select Oyster, Boston

Here's what else was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• Cambridge Culinary School Cafe Opening In Porter Square
• Somerville Community Celebrates Rudy's Final Days
• 12 MA Restaurants, Chefs Named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists
• New Indian Restaurant Opens In Brookline
• Saxonville Burrito To Open New Location In Marlborough
• 2 MA Restaurants Donating Sales To Support LA Fire Victims
• The Salem Pantry Appoints New Board Of Directors Chair
• North Shore Restaurant Owner Sentenced In $2M In Wage, Tax Fraud
• Cupcake Store Holds Grand Opening In North Andover