This year’s James Beard Foundation Awards class of nominees in Miami and throughout South Florida reflects the area’s coming of age as a culinary powerhouse. The nominees include one of the region’s most prominent restaurant groups, a bar that pays homage to Cuban cocktail tradition, an apotheosis of Nikkei cooking in the United State, and much more.
The prestigious culinary award ceremony takes place this May. Here’s who made the shortlist.
Outstanding Restaurateur
Mohamed Ali Alkassar and Niven Patel, Alpareno Restaurant Group (Ghee Indian Kitchen, Orno, and Mamey), Miami, FL
Jimmy and Johnny Tung, Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, Doshi, and Camille, Orlando, FL
Outstanding Chef
Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, FL
Outstanding Restaurant
Ariete, Miami, FL
Emerging Chef
Akino West, Rosie’s, Miami, FL
Outstanding Bakery
Zak the Baker, Miami, FL
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Manuel and Jesús Brazón, Caracas Bakery, Doral, FL
Outstanding Wine Program
Macchialina, Miami Beach, FL
Outstanding Bar
Cafe La Trova, Miami, FL
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
Timon Balloo, The Katherine, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jeremy and Cindy Bearman, Oceano Kitchen, Lantana, FL
Fernando, Nando, and Valerie Chang, Itamae, Miami, FL
Rick Mace, Tropical Smokehouse, West Palm Beach, FL
Pushkar Marathe, Stage, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Henry Moso, Kabooki Sushi, Orlando, FL
Lojo Washington, Queen of Sheeba, West Palm Beach, FL