3 Rhode Island Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

RHODE ISLAND — Restaurants and chefs in Rhode Island are well represented in the semifinalists announced Wednesday for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards, sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the culinary arts industry.

Named for the late chef, cookbook author and food presenter James Beard, the awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” the James Beard Foundation said Wednesday in a news release.

The semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, including a new award for outstanding bakery.

Here are 2023 James Beard Award nominees from Rhode Island:

Best Chefs In Northeast

• Robert Andreozzi, Pizza Marvin, Providence
• Sherry Pocknett, Sly Fox Den Too, Charlestown
• Milena Pagán, Little Sister, Providence.

Award nominees will be announced March 29, and the winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 5 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.