Just moments ago, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for its 2015 awards. It’s a historic year for the James Beard Awards, which celebrate the program's 25th anniversary.
And Milwaukee has at least two reasons to be proud.
Chefs who made the list for Best Chef Midwest include Chef Justin Carlisle of Ardent and Dave Swanson of Braise.
Madison candidates include Dan Fox of Heritage Tavern and Jonathan Hunter of Forequarter.
The complete list of semifinalists can be found online.
The semifinals process began in October with an open call, during which anyone could nominate up to two individuals online. The JBF Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee, composed of critics, writers, and editors, culled the semi-finalists from nearly 35,000 entries.
Semifinalists will now move on to a voting body comprised of former Beard Award winners; Restaurant and Chef Award Committee members; and other regional panelists. Five finalists will be chosen in each category and announced at the Beard House in New York City on Tuesday, March 24.
James Beard Award winners will be announced at the annual gala on Monday, May 4 at The Lyric Opera of Chicago. This will be the first time in James Beard history that the gala will not be held in New York.
"There is no greater honor for a restaurant than recognition with a Beard Foundation Award, and there is no greater honor for Chicago’s culinary community than the decision to host the awards here," Mayor Emanuel said in a press release last May.
The Beard Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards will be presented Friday, April 24 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, New York City.
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.
