Just moments ago, the James Beard Foundation announced the final nominees for its 2014 awards from The Publican in Chicago. And Milwaukee has at least one reason to be proud.
Sanford's Justin Aprahamian, who was nominated for the fourth straight year, has made it to the next round for Best Chef Midwest.
The other finalists in the category are Paul Berglund of The Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis; Gerard Craft of Niche in Clayton, Mo.; Michelle Gayer of Salty Tart in Minneapolis and Lenny Russo of Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market in St. Paul, MinnN.
The complete list of nominees can be found online.
Final James Beard Award winners will be announced at the annual gala on Monday, May 5 at Lincoln Center in New York City.
The Beard Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards will be presented Friday, May 2 at New York's Gotham Hall.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
