2 Hudson Valley Chefs Named James Beard Semifinalists

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Two Hudson Valley chefs have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation.

2025 is the 35th anniversary of the prestigious culinary awards, sometimes known as the "Oscars of food," that recognize eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the organization said. Awards also recognize a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

This year, in celebration of the pivotal anniversary, the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories, with an expanded focus on beverages, introducing three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Other 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.

Here are the 2025 James Beard Award nominees from the Hudson Valley:

Best Chef: New York State

• Clare de Boer, Stissing House, Pine Plains
• Shaina Loew-Banayan, Café Mutton, Hudson

Nominees will be announced on April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

A full list of semifinalists is available here.