Lamont Honors CT Restaurants Nominated For Beard Awards

HARTFORD, CT — Giddy over Connecticut's showing among 2024 James Beard Award nominees, the nation's top honors in the restaurant industry, Gov. Ned Lamont this week made a unique declaration.

Lamont has declared Connecticut to be the "Foodie Capital of New England."

Three Connecticut chefs/restaurants have been nominated, including two chefs out of Mystic and a West Hartford restaurant.

Wednesday, Lamont met with the James Beard nominees in Hartford to celebrate being named semi-finalists, the final step before the most prestigious designation.

Connecticut nominees are:

Mystic

Renee Touponce, the executive chef for The Port of Call and Oyster Club in Mystic, is a semifinalist in the Outstanding Chef category, making her the first chef from Connecticut to reach this prestigious list.

David Standridge, the executive chef for The Shipwright's Daughter in Mystic, is a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Northeast category.

West Hartford

Coracora in West Hartford, 162 Shield St., West Hartford, is a semifinalist in the "Outstanding Restaurant" category for the second consecutive year. An immigrant-owned establishment, it has been part of West Hartford for the past 12 years with authentic Peruvian dishes led by Chef Macarena Ludena and her sister Grecia Ludena.

"Our restaurant industry is a vital part of the fabric of Connecticut, with each establishment telling a unique story that reflects the dedication of the individuals who run them,” said Lamont. “These nominees are making Connecticut very proud, offering diners a culinary experience that rivals any state in the nation, and helping make Connecticut the ‘foodie capital of New England."

The state's top marketing officer for Connecticut agreed.

"Connecticut is a state of entrepreneurs and makers that includes so many talented people throughout our restaurant industry,” said Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for Connecticut. “These nominees for James Beard Awards are part of a great culinary landscape, and we wish them the best as this award process continues in the months ahead.”

According to Scott Dolch, president and chief executive officer of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, the state's restaurant scene goes beyond the Beard nominees.

"These nominations underscore the breadth of Connecticut’s culinary talent, and we greatly appreciate the Governor taking time to recognize the special and unique talent of our state’s restaurant industry," said Dolch.

From Jan. 24: '3 CT Restaurants, Chefs Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists'