And now for some breaking news you’ll actually want to hear

The James Beard Foundation 2026 Restaurant & Chef Awards semifinalist list has officially dropped. 
Let’s take a look at area industry professionals who landed on the long list.

Emerging Chef 
-Anthony Jones, Marcus

Outstanding Chef 
-Peter Pastan, 2 Amy’s

Outstanding Pastry Chef 
-Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service 
-Brent Kroll, Maxwell Park

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service 
-Christine Kim, Service Bar

Outstanding Restaurateur 
-Danny Lee & Scott Drewno, Fried Rice Collective

Outstanding Bakery 
-Café Dear Leon (Cheolsoo “Charles” Lee, Sungae “Sunny” Lee, and Min Kim)

Outstanding Hospitality 
-Bresca (Hive Hospitality)

Outstanding Restaurant 
-Centrolina, Amy Brandwein

Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage 
-Neal Wavra, Field & Main

Best New Bar 
-Pink Flamingo (Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy)

Best New Restaurant 
-Maison Bar à Vins (The Popal Group/Chefs Matt Conroy)