Announcing the semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards on Wednesday included Oregon bakeries, restaurants, pubs, and chefs.
The Beard Awards, sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the food industry, honor outstanding achievement in the culinary and food media fields together with a proven dedication to fostering an environment where everyone can prosper.
Leading the way on Wednesday were two seasoned Portland chefs nominated in the coveted Outstanding Chef category: Gabriel Rucker (Rising Star Chef: 2011; Best Chef: Northwest, 2013) of Le Pigeon, a destination in East Burnside, and Sarah Minnick of the innovative North Portland pizzeria Lovely’s Fifty Fifty.
In the same category as Portland’s Langbaan last year, the city also received a slot for Outstanding Restaurant. Coquine will face the heavyweights from New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., this year.
Joel Gunderson of Heavenly Creatures in Northeast Portland was nominated as a semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Scotch Lodge in Southeast Portland was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar, and Jinju Patisserie in North Portland was nominated for Outstanding Bakery for the second time in a row.
However, this year’s awards aren’t only centered on Portland. Amity (Timothy Wastell, Antica Terra), Ashland (Joshua Dorcak, M S), Eugene (Isaiah Martinez, Yardy), and McMinnville (Sarah Schafer, Humble Spirit, and Kari Shaughnessy, Hayward) chefs will compete against Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro, which is relocating to downtown Portland, and Thomas Pisha-Duffly of Northeast Portland’s Gado Gado for the regional Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific awards.
On Wednesday, April 2, the short list of award nominees will be revealed. The Lyric Opera of Chicago will host the Beard awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 to recognize the winners.
Russell, Michael; [email protected]
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