The Oscars for the culinary world recently announced its semifinalists, and South Florida received quite an extraordinary amount of recognition. While most of the celebrated chefs are located further south in Miami, our beloved chef Clay Conley is representing Palm Beach County amongst the talented group with his sixth (and well deserved) nomination. Jeremy Ford, who was nominated for his South Beach concept, recently opened The Butcher’s Club in Palm Beach Gardens.
The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards started three decades ago and have a goal of honoring and celebrating those in the industry who are dedicated, masterful, innovative and who giving us extraordinary culinary journeys.
South Florida’s semifinalists listed below are definitely making the drive worth every decadent bite.
Best Chef in the South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, Puerto Rico)
Clay Conley, Buccan, Palm Beach
Michael Beltran, Ariete, Coral Gables
Valerie Nando & Fernando Chang, Itamae, Miami Design District
Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed, South Beach
Michael Pirolo, Macchialina, South Beach
Best New Restaurant
Zitz Sum, Coral Gables
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Antonio Bachour, Bachour, Coral Gables and Doral
Zak Stern, Zak the Baker, Wynwood
Outstanding Chef
Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami Design District
Outstanding Bar Program
Café La Trova, Little Havana
