Maine Earns Major Recognition in This Year’s James Beard Award Semifinals

Another year brings another strong showing for Maine at America’s premier culinary awards.

The state has earned impressive recognition in this year’s James Beard Awards, with chefs, restaurateurs, bakers, and bakeries all represented among the semifinalists.

What are the James Beard Awards?

Based in New York, the James Beard Awards recognize the greatest in culinary achievement. The goal 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.

These are world-class awards. Aside from a Michelin star, the James Beard Awards are the cream of the crop, and even being nominated is a tremendous accomplishment.

What Maine Restaurants and Chefs are Represented in this Year's James Beard Awards?

Maine is represented in the James Beard Award semifinals by seven nominees. While Portland restaurants have the most nominations, three different towns are represented.

An impressive five chefs are up for Best Chef: Northeast: Jake Stevens of Leeward, Chris Gould of Central Provisions, Sara Jenkins of Nina June, Thomas Takashi Cooke of Izakaya Minato, and Jeremy Broucek of Bread & Friends.

Maine has one establishment up for Best Bakery: the ever-popular Night Moves Bakery in South Portland.

And last, but certainly not least, the legend himself Dana Street is up for Outstanding Restaurateur. Street is behind the popular establishments Fore Street, Street & Co., Scales, and Standard Baking Company.

Read More: Taco Escobarr Named the Best Mexican Restaurant in Maine

The finalists will be announced on March 31, with the winners being awarded and celebrated later this year at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on June 15.

Below is a closer look at Maine's semifinalists.