These CT Chefs, Restaurants Are James Beard Awards Semifinalists

CONNECTICUT — A prestigious culinary prize yet again gave Connecticut gourmands plenty to savor.

The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced semifinalists for its selfsame award.
And it served up honors for two Nutmeg State chefs and restaurants.

In West Hartford, Cora Cora made an impressive showing. The Peruvian hotspot garnered semifinalist nods in both the national "Outstanding Restaurant" bracket and Northeast "Best Chef" category, for the work of Hector Ludena.

Criteria for an "Outstanding Restaurant" include "consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community."

Brian Lewis, who serves up New American cuisine at The Cottage in Westport, also grabbed a semifinalist "Best Chef" nod in the Northeast division.

The honored semifinalists still have to go through rounds of competitions until the final James Beard Awards are announced.

"Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago," the semifinal's announcement states.

See the full list of James Beard semifinalists here.