Dining

These New Orleans Chefs Are 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists

New Orleans is once again well represented among the most prestigious culinary and food prep experts in America for semifinalists for the James Beard Awards.

Whittled from an exhaustive list, the local semifinalists have a chance to take home the top prize and cement New Orleans’ place on the map as a bona fide cultural mecca with top-notch restaurants with diverse cuisine.

When Will The James Beard Awards Be Announced?

The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress
made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all—through their talent and craft, service to
others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry. We look forward to sharing more
exciting details for the 2023 ceremonies in the coming days,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation said in a statement.

And The New Orleans James Beard Award Finalists Are…

Outstanding Chef

Nina Compton, Compère Lapin

Atlanta’s are among the top eateries up for Outstanding Wine Program.

Outstanding Restaurant

Brennan’s, New Orleans

Emerging Chef

Serigne Mbaye, Dakar Nola, New Orleans

Outstanding Bakery

Angelo Brocato

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Commander’s Palace

Best Chef

Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith, Saint-Germain, New Orleans
Melissa M. Martin, Mosquito Supper Club, New Orleans
Ana Castro, Lengua Madre, New Orleans
Amarys and Jordan Herndon, Palm & Pine, New Orleans
Melissa M. Martin, Mosquito Supper Club
Charly Pierre, Fritai, New Orleans
Colleen Quarls and Liz Hollinger, Molly’s Rise and Shine, New Orleans
Michael Stoltzfus, Coquette, New Orleans

Here Is The Complete 2023 List Of James Beard Award Finalists

From the Best Chefs to the top bar programs, the James Beard Awards exemplify the utmost of America’s food culture, which New Orleans plays a big part in.

Read the complete list of James Beard Award nominees for 2023.

Final Word

The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports culinary excellence of America’s chefs and food businesses.

If your favorite New Orleans chef or restaurant didn’t’ make the list, make it your business to support them sometime soon.

New Orleans’ food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

Looking for more places to eat in Nola? Here Are Some Top Desserts To Order In New Orleans.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.