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Seven Philly Nominees Vie for Food Oscars
1 Apr
Summary
- Seven Philadelphia chefs and restaurants advanced to the finals.
- Nok Suntaranon's Kalaya is nominated for Outstanding Restaurant again.
- Three local chefs compete for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic award.
The James Beard Awards, often dubbed the 'Oscars of the food world,' are set to take place in Chicago on June 15, with a strong contingent of Philadelphia's culinary talent among the finalists. Originally starting with thirteen semifinalists, seven local chefs and establishments have now secured spots in the final nominations.
Among the recognized is Nok Suntaranon, chef/owner of Kalaya in Fishtown, who expressed immense joy at her restaurant's nomination for Outstanding Restaurant for the second consecutive year. This marks the fourth nomination for the popular Southern Thai spot and for Suntaranon herself, who previously won Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2023.
The Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category features three Philadelphia chefs: Jesse Ito from Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Amanda Shulman from Her Place Supper Club, and Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate from Honeysuckle. Additionally, The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday is a finalist for Outstanding Bar for the second year running.
Newcomers also making their mark include Emmett in Kensington, nominated for Best New Restaurant, and Justine Macneil of Fiore Fine Foods in Fishtown, a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Macneil, a long-time figure in the community, shared her excitement, calling the nomination a dream fulfilled.
