Nomination 'Bittersweet' For Wisconsin James Beard Finalist

MILWAUKEE, WI — The new coronavirus abruptly changed the food scene in Wisconsin, but the finalists in the James Beard Foundation’s annual culinary competition offer a peek at what you’re missing — at least for now.

The awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.

The list of the 2020 James Beard Nominees was delayed as the presenting organization instead focused supporting an industry upended by the coronavirus crisis. But after consulting with restaurateurs, the organization decided to go ahead with the awards, though there won’t be a gala celebration to announce them.

Winners are typically named in May, but that announcement has been postponed until September.

The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund to date has given $4 million to independent, locally owned restaurants around the country, the organization said on its website.

In Wisconsin the nominee for Outstanding Restaurateur is:

Paul Bartolotta and The Bartolotta Restaurants, including Ristorante Bartolotta, Harbor House, Lake Park Bistro, and others in Milwaukee.

“This nomination is a tad bittersweet, given the loss of my brother about this time last year,” Paul Bartolotta said in a WTMJ report. “Joe and I had made it to a semifinalist nomination in ’17, ’18, and ’19. We were starting to joke around that we were going to be the Susan Lucci of the Beard Awards.”

Joe Bartolotta started the restaurant group with his brother Paul with their first restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta in 1993 in Wauwatosa. Today, the Bartolotta group runs 15 restaurants and catering facilities.

Winners are scheduled to be announced on Sep. 25.