Los Gatos Chef Withdraws From Consideration For Prestigious Award

LOS GATOS, CA — A prominent Los Gatos chef has withdrawn himself from consideration for a prestigious award.

Manresa chef David Kinch said it “does not feel right” to participate in the James Beard Foundation Awards — described by The Washington Post as the “Oscars” equivalent amid culinary circles — in an in an Instagram post announcing his decision.

The three-Michelin-starred restaurant’s Kinch was nominated in the “Outstanding Chef” category.

“While I’m honored, and appreciative of the @beardfoundation Outstanding Chef nomination, I have decided to withdraw myself from consideration, and potential acceptance of this year’s award. This is a purely personal decision and not a reflection on anyone who will rightly be recognized by the Foundation this year,” Kinch wrote.

“The idea of celebrating achievement — and all that our @Manresarestaurant team has accomplished — simply does not feel right in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, and the devastation it has pressed upon our chosen métier and industry.”