The mission of the James Beard Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
Each year some of the brightest stars in the culinary world and food media are recognized at the annual James Beard Awards. In hospitality, it doesn't get any bigger!
We were honored to host Corner Table Talk LIVE at the 2023 James Beard Awards in Chicago where we pull back the curtain to reveal the passion and drive of eight of the industry's finest. We hear firsthand what the night meant to them and add some super cool restaurants to check out if your travels take you to any one of these cities.
Chicago is a great host city. Our most memorable meal was at chef Erick Williams' outstanding Virtue Restaurant and Bar, also home of Damarr Brown, Best Emerging Chef whose soulful cuisine including Shrimp and Grits had us convinced it gave LA-based Post & Beam's version a run for its money, Just sayin’.
Our guests include Gregory Gourdet's whose Haitian-inspired Kann won Best New Restaurant, a beacon of cultural enlightenment, Chef JP Best Chef NY State from Atomix, whose journey from Korea to New York's culinary zenith is a tale of tenacity and talent, pastry artisan, and Margarita Manzke Outstanding Pastry Chef from LA-based Republique who was unable to attend the Awards but longtime staffer Kaley Shannon filled in and did a terrific job!
We also spoke with the inspiring Olivia Watkins and Karen Washington Humanitarian of the Year of New York City-based Black Farmer Fund, whose commitment to land stewardship and social equity is reshaping the agricultural narrative, the incomparable Ellen Yin Outstanding Restaurateur of High Street Hospitality Group whose achievement is a testament to innovative spirit and community-building prowess, and the effervescent Chef Andrew Black Best Chef Southwest, whose culinary ingenuity at Grey Sweater in Oklahoma City is matched only by his dedication to community upliftment. We topped off the evening with Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster in Washington D.C, whose sustainable approach and heartfelt leadership won him the title of Outstanding Chef, proving that the path to culinary greatness is paved with purpose and integrity.
A huge thank you to Valerie Wilson and Mary Wagstaff of MMGY Wagstaff for helping us navigate access to this prestigious event. We have been fortunate to have an association with Wagstaff almost since its inception close to 25 years ago. They are committed professionals elevating the hospit
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