Detroit, MI – On Wednesday, the James Beard Foundation announced the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for the James Beard Awards. For some in the restaurant industry, receiving this call or notice for a nomination can feel like Christmas morning.
The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people of America’s food culture. The awards recognize the exceptional talent and achievements of those in the culinary arts and hospitality. The James Beard Awards are among the highest accolades a chef or restaurant can achieve next to a Michelin Star (or several). Suffice it to say, Michigan is being represented by some wonderful restaurants and chefs this year!
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I’ve befriended and interviewed several chefs over the years who have been nominated and made it to the finals and/or won, and let me tell you, the talent and passion that radiates from these folks permeates their whole aura. These chefs are cooking at the top of their game and are considered experts at their respective crafts. Whether it’s through using their talents to give back and supply their communities with food and assistance, concocting the perfect dish that everyone enjoys, or baking something from the heart that’s made with love — these are the folks who bring joy to the world through food.
These chefs and restaurants deserve to be recognized for their contributions to society’s well-being, and the James Beard Awards are a great way to achieve just that! I knew a few of the chefs/restaurants from other states on the full list, but as a Michigan foodie, I wanted to highlight the folks representing our state first and foremost.
Outstanding Restaurateur:
Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare, Detroit, MI – Congratulations Baobab Fare! I couldn’t be happier for Hamissi, his wife, and the team at the restaurant; this is very well deserved! I recently wrote about how places in Metro Detroit, like Baobab Fare, deserved to be on Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. this year after the food review app published its annual list earlier this week.
Outstanding Restaurant:
Selden Standard, Detroit, MI – I have yet to visit this establishment, so unfortunately, I can’t give as in-depth a blurb as I’d like. But a quick Google search yields promising results, with this new wave eatery fielding 4.7 stars out of 5 on Google, with nearly two thousand reviews. The food looks mostly seasonal, New American traditional, with a handful of classic items. The food looks downright delicious; I’m going to have to get out and visit this place ASAP! So stay tuned!
Emerging Chef:
Rocky Coronado, Nepantla, Detroit, MI – While I can’t say that I’ve met Rocky, I’m excited to relive the memory from when I tried Nepantla tacos at the Royal Oak Taco Fest last year. Nepantla’s menu is plant-based, serving up some sensational vegan Mexican street food and tacos. Rocky’s endeavor and amazing food are getting a boost from the City of Detroit, being one of several small businesses to win a Motor City Match Grant. According to Eater Detroit, the $75K in city funds will go to completing renovations for a brick-and-mortar location in the former Charlie Clark’s Bar.
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Best New Restaurant:
Alpino, Detroit, MI – A Corktown contribution that I have also yet to visit, but consider it added to my list! Another quick search on Google reveals a warm-toned restaurant with top-notch reviews and visually appealing, well-plated food.
Outstanding Bakery:
Shatila Bakery, Dearborn, MI - Another new destination for me to explore! I haven’t made it out to any Dearborn eateries yet, so this would be a great reason for me to get out there! I’ve had a few recommendations from readers, and there are about three places I’ve noted during my restaurant searches that I’d also love to visit while I’m out there. Hopefully, I can get out to Dearborn soon!
Outstanding Hospitality:
AlTayeb Restaurant, Dearborn, MI – Another place to add to my Dearborn destinations! The reviews for this charming place all sing high praise of the food quality and hospitality.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program:
Folk, Detroit, MI
Spencer, Ann Arbor, MI
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH):
Doug Hewitt, Freya, Detroit, MI
Ji Hye Kim, Miss Kim, Ann Arbor, MI
Dan Klenotic, Bellflower, Ypsilanti, MI
Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson, MI*
John Yelinek, Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Detroit, MI
Talk about a powerhouse lineup of Michigan talent! I recall Chef Sato from Sozai in Clawson making last year’s finalists for Outstanding Chef. I’ve been meaning to swing by Sozai in Clawson ever since! While I haven’t quite made it there yet, I do plan on visiting Sozai very soon!
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Here are some important upcoming dates for award announcements and ceremonies:
Upcoming Awards announcements (dates may be subject to change):
● Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Restaurant and Chef America’s Classics Award winners.
● Wednesday, April 3, 2024: Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees and Achievement Awards
honorees (Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Leadership Awards) announced
live at Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.
● Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Nominees for the James Beard Media Awards.
The 2024 Awards ceremonies will be held in our proud host city of Chicago on the following
dates:
● Saturday, June 8, 2024: Media Awards at Columbia College Chicago Student Center
● Sunday, June 9, 2024: Leadership Awards at The Dalcy
● Monday, June 10, 2024: Restaurant and Chef Awards at The Lyric Opera
I’m excited about this year’s James Beard Awards because I hope to be there covering it in some capacity! Whether it’s for my job or my blog, I hope to be there in person this year, covering all of the festivities and stories out of the awards ceremony. The ceremony is held in Chicago every year, so it’s pretty close for me in Metro Detroit, and I know it will be a fun time based on the pictures from last year!
Stay tuned, everyone! I’ll keep you all posted on whether or not I’ll be able to cover the 2024 James Beard Awards! In the meantime, for any updates or more information on the James Beard Awards, click here.
MI Foodie Adventures 