5 MI Restaurants And Chefs Are James Beard Awards Nominees

MICHIGAN — The culinary scene in Michigan is well-represented in the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation.

Michigan nominees are:

• Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson, Outstanding Chef
• Spencer, Ann Arbor, Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
• Omar Anani, Saffron De Twah, Detroit, Best Chef: Great Lakes Region
• Andy Hollyday, Selden Standard, Detroit, Best Chef: Great Lakes Region
• Sarah Welch, Marrow, Detroit, Best Chef: Great Lakes Region

Sozai was recognized as one of the 50 best seafood restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit.

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are often regarded as the "Oscars of culinary arts." They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 23 categories.

Winners will be announced June 5 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.