Rhode Island Restaurant, Chef Wins James Beard Award For 2023

CHARLESTOWN, RI — One restaurant and chef from Rhode Island was honored at Monday’s James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

The awards, regarded as the Academy Awards of the U.S. restaurant industry, honor excellence across various categories, from fine dining to casual gems.

Chef Sherry Pocknett, from the Sly Fox Den Too, in Charlestown, was Rhode Island's lone winner in this year's awards. Pocknett won in the "Best Chef in the Northeast" category. She defeated the following finalists:

• Valentine Howell, Krasi, Boston
• Christian Hunter, Community Table, New Preston, Connecticut
• Yisha Siu, Yunnan Kitchen, Boston
• Renee Touponce, The Port of Call, Mystic, Connecticut.

James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said the winners’ “achievements and dedication have left an indelible mark on our industry.”

“As we celebrate, it’s important to acknowledge the significant work that these accomplished restaurants and chefs have done to push American food culture forward — using their immense creativity, passion, and talent to create extraordinary experiences on behalf of others,” Reichenbach said, according to a news release announcing the awards.