These WI Restaurants And Chefs Are James Beard Awards Nominees

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin's culinary scene is well-represented in the nominations for the 2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. The organization announced the finalists Wednesday.

One restaurant in Milwaukee, Lupi and Iris, remains in the running for one of the most coveted awards: Best New Restaurant. The downtown Milwaukee spot features a menu inspired by the French and Italian Riviera with a focus "on a refined simplicity with fresh ingredients from carefully selected purveyors & food artisans." Its online menu features dishes like whole-roasted chicken, plates of pasta, wood-grilled sole, steak and more.

Behind the restaurant is Chef Adam Siegel and Real Estate Developer Michael DeMichele, a statement on the restaurant's site said. The spot's name is meant to honor Siegel's father-in-law named Ron Lupi and his grandmother Iris Ciarniello.

See also: 2023 James Beard Awards: Chef, Restaurant Semifinalists From Wisconsin

Wisconsin also saw several nominations in the category for best chef in the Midwest. They include:

• Gregory León from Milwaukee's Amilinda.
• Francesco Mangano from Madison's Osteria Papavero.
• Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger from Madison's Fairchild.

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are often regarded as the “Oscars of culinary arts.” They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 23 categories.

Winners will be announced June 5 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.