2023 James Beard Awards: Chef, Restaurant Semifinalists From Wisconsin

WISCONSIN — Several restaurants and chefs in Wisconsin were among the semifinalists named 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 the 2023 James Beard Award nominees from Wisconsin:

Outstanding Restaurateur

Amy and Jason Kerstein, Joe Muench, and Dan Snider of Black Shoe Hospitality operating Story Hill BKC in Milwaukee and Buttermint Finer Dining and Cocktails in Shorewood.

Outstanding Restaurant

Wickman House in Ellison Bay.

Emerging Chef

Jamie Hoang at Ahan in Madison

Best New Restaurant

Lupi & Iris in Milwaukee.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Andrew Hutchison at Madison Sourdough in Madison.

Best Chefs In the Midwest

Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite at EsterEv in Milwaukee.
Gregory León at Amilinda in Milwaukee.
Francesco Mangano at Osteria Papavero in Madison.
Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger at Fairchild in Madison.

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.