West Hartford Restaurant Named Semifinalist For 'Oscars' Of Eateries

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford is represented as a semifinalist announced Wednesday for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards, sometimes referred to as the "Oscars" of the culinary arts industry.

Named for the late chef, cookbook author and food presenter James Beard, the awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” the James Beard Foundation said Wednesday in a news release.

The semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, including a new award for outstanding bakery.

Here are 2023 James Beard Award nominees from West Hartford:

Outstanding Restaurant

• CoraCora Restaurant, West Hartford, CT

Located at 162 Shield St., Cora Cora features authentic Peruvian cuisine and is a highly regarded restaurant in the state dining scene.

It is one of three Connecticut restaurants represented as an award semifinalist.

The others are in the "Best Chef: Northeast" division. They are:

• Christian Hunter, Community Table, Washington

• Renee Touponce, The Port of Call, Mystic

Award nominees will be announced March 29, and the winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 5 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

For more information on CoraCora Restaurant in West Hartford, click on this link.

For the CoraCora Restaurant's Facebook page, click on this link.

For more information on the James Beard Foundation, click on this link.