James Beard Foundation nominates six Oregon finalists for prestigious awards
Portland chef Sarah Minnick of Lovely's Fifty Fifty was named a finalist in the "Outstanding Chef" category.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The national nonprofit behind the Oscars of culinary industry has announced the finalists for its 2024 awards ceremony — and the list isn’t short of Oregon chefs and restaurants.
Hosted by the James Beard Foundation, the prestigious James Beard Awards recognize the people and places excelling in the food and drink industry. The organization announced finalists on Wednesday morning, months after revealing semifinalists in late January.
Portland restaurateur Sarah Minnick was named a finalist in the “Outstanding Chef” category, which highlights chefs who set high standards, set good examples for their peers and positively contribute to their community.
Minnick owns Mississippi Avenue pizzeria Lovely’s Fifty Fifty and has been featured on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated culinary series “Chef’s Table.”
In the “Outstanding Restaurant” category, Pearl District Thai spot Langbaan was included among five finalists. The award will go to the restaurant that “demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.”
The Willamette Valley’s Hayward, which opened in May 2023, was nominated as “Best New Restaurant” for already displaying excellence in the culinary industry. The McMinnville eatery boasts a “new northwest fare” and a “hyper-seasonal” menu.
North Portland dessert spot JinJu Patisserie was named an “Oustanding Bakery” finalist. The bakery is co-owned by master chocolatier Jin Caldwell and pastry chef Kyurim Lee, who relocated from Las Vegas to the Rose City over a decade ago.
Two Oregon restaurateurs were named finalists among the Pacific Northwest’s “Best Chefs.” Unlike the “Outstanding Chef” category, this category additionally focuses on building a sustainable work culture.
One of the nominees is Gregory Gourdet, who has previously won a James Beard Award for his celebrated Haitian restaurant Kann.
Ashland chef Josh Dorcak, of Cascadian cuisine restaurant MÄS, is also a finalist. Dorcak was nominated in the same category last year.
Winners of the 2024 James Beard Awards will be announced at the ceremony in Chicago on Monday, June 10.
“Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees and nominees on this remarkable achievement,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement. “Your vision, and continued dedication to excellence — both on and beyond the plate — make you true leaders of American culinary. Thank you for all you are doing to set a better standard for our industry and broader food system.”