Chicago To Host James Beard Awards Through 2027

CHICAGO — The James Beard Awards will continue to be held in Chicago through 2027, the city announced Monday. The awards show, which was first held in Chicago in 2015, is held every year in May. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the awards help to boost tourism in Chicago.

Often considered the "Oscars of the food world," the awards were established in 1990, and held in New York City for 24 years.

This year, the the James Beard Foundation Awards Gala was held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on May 7.

The foundation recognizes the best new restaurants, outstanding bar programs, bakers and rising star chefs 30 or younger, among other categories.

The foundation holds an online open call for entries beginning in mid-October of each year, and a list of semifinalists is then sent to a panel of more than 600 judges from across the country. Five nominees are selected in each category, and the judges ultimately select the winners.

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