Food Oscars

Beginning with Julia Child, Boston has seen a multitude of local chefs who have strived to achieve their best in the culinary world. The notion has been reinforced once more this year with several local chefs having been nominated for the James Beard Foundation award. This award, popularly known as the “food Oscars” and is awarded to people showcasing outstanding culinary skills, passion, and dedication. Here is a look at the awards and the New England Master Chefs.

The awards are given in several categories including outstanding chef, outstanding baker, outstanding wine program and outstanding restaurant amongst several others. After the disclosure of the semifinalists in February, the James Beard Foundation has once again announced the official nominees for this award (For a complete list of nominees you can visit http://www.jamesbeard.org/). It is indeed an honor to have so many locals nominated for this global award.

From New England, the nominees include Rob Tod of Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine (for outstanding wine, beer, or spirits professional), Maura Kilpatrick of Oleana (for outstanding pastry chef) and Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery and Café (for outstanding baker).

But that is not all. Nominees for the best chef have also been announced. From New England, we have Brian Hill of Francine in Camden, Maine, Karen Akunowicz of Myers and Chang, Susan Regis of Shepard, Zak Pelaccio of Fish & Game in Hudson, N.Y. and Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor of Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland, Maine.

To be evaluated and nominated by the 600 best chefs in the world is not an easy task. Kudos and good luck to all the nominees! Winners will be announced on 2^nd May 2016. Let’s cross our fingers and hope a lot of them are from New England and we can start indulging in their culinary delights!