Benu, Bar Agricole, El Pipila Win 2019 James Beard Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Three San Francisco establishments were honored with a James Beard Award at a ceremony in Chicago. The awards are considered the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.

The awards were presented in the restaurant, chef and restaurant design categories on Monday. Special achievement awards were presented for Lifetime Achievement, Design Icon, America’s Classics and Humanitarian of the Year.

In San Francisco, the James Beard Foundation honorees are:

• Schwartz and Architecture for El Pípila in San Francisco (other eating and drinking places)
• Outstanding Bar Program: Bar Agricole, San Francisco
• Outstanding Wine Program: Benu, San Francisco

That's right, San Francisco, known for its fine dining, was shut out of all food awards.

Go here to see all the winners.

The James Beard Foundation has presented the awards for more than 30 years. This year’s theme was “Good Food For Good,” which the foundation says is synonymous with its mission.

Gala reception chefs from across the country included past James Beard Award winners and many who are involved in the foundation’s signature impact-oriented initiatives, from Smart Catch to Women’s Leadership Programs to the Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change.

Nearly 2,000 people attended the gala, held at Lyric Opera in Chicago. The ceremony was emceed by Emmy-nominated actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson. VIP guests were treated to a multi-course dinner and experience in the mezzanine boxes during the awards show prepared by chefs from the esteemed Union Square Hospitality Group.

— Patch editors Beth Dalbey and Bea Karnes contributed to this story

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