The James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Award Winners!

Best Chef: New York City

Missy Robbins is endlessly worthy of the “Best Chef: New York City” title (there’s a reason nabbing a table at Lilia is a feat). Known for procuring seasonal ingredients and allowing them to shine through classic Italian preparations and her own unique spin, Robbins’ standout dishes include long strands of twirly mafaldini coated in pink peppercorns and Parmigiano and grilled clams with a kick of Calabrian chili and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic

Jeremiah Langhorne is a creative genius when it comes to Mid-Atlantic cooking (if you have yet to try his fried Chesapeake sugar toads, you’re missing out) and championing a foraged bounty of local ingredients. Add to that an innate ability to utilize a wood-fired hearth to its most compelling abilities, and there’s a chef whose work very much warrants a trip to the nation’s capital.

Best Chef: West

Dominique Crenn is a force of nature. With a technique that’s thoroughly French, a style that’s wonderfully inventive, and a knack for crafting beautiful tasting menus, she’s a chef whose food any self-respecting restaurant-lover must try at least once. This distinction is awarded for Crenn’s work at Atelier Crenn, but Petit Crenn is where her connection to her roots (in Brittany) takes center stage.

Outstanding Bar Program

Without Cure, New Orleans would not be the destination for craft cocktails that it is today. Technically, it opened just under 10 years ago. In reality, it’s timeless. They do a killer martini, have mastered the sour, specialize in the classics (this is where you go for a Sazerac), yet maintain an innovative edge. Order anything off the menu, or go bespoke. You can’t go wrong.

Outstanding Wine Program

The wine at FIG is not just good, it’s outstanding. The list is as up-to-date with significant newcomers as it is celebratory of Old World classics. Small family wineries are a focus, with the team invested in individuals that put as much love into their winemaking as the chefs at FIG put into their food.

Outstanding Restaurant Design, 75 Seats and Under

The MP Shift is a fresh-faced design firm with a serious knack for contemporary restaurant design. If you’ve been to De Maria, you get it. If not, now’s the time to go — and not just because their sidewalk dining is among the city’s best. The space itself—outfitted with a sleek yet domineering, white-washed arc that centers the room—is airy and sun-faded, with delightful pops of color and recognizable influence from artists including Walter De Maria (natch), Paul Rand, and Donald Judd.

Best New Restaurant Nominee

Best New Restaurant Nominee

Outstanding Bar Program Nominee

Outstanding Chef Nominee (Ashley Christensen)

Outstanding Restaurant Nominee

Outstanding Restaurant Nominee

Rising Star Chef of the Year Nominee (Clare de Boer)

Best Chef: South Nominee (Vishwesh Bhatt)

Best Chef: South Nominee (Brad Kilgore)

Best Chef: Southeast Nominee (Mashama Bailey)

Best Chef: Southwest Nominee (Bryce Gilmore)

Best Chef: West Nominee (Jeremy Fox)