Philadelphia Chef Named James Beard Award Nominee

PHILADELPHIA — After several Philadelphia chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists in the 2024 James Beard Awards, just one has advanced to the nominee stage.

Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya has been nominated for the Best Mid-Atlantic Chef award. The mid-Atlantic includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, and Virginia.

Ito was one of nine Philadelphia restaurants and chefs who were named semifinalists in January.

Those semifinalists, who did not make it to the nominee phase of the "Oscars of culinary arts" include Dionicio Jiménez of Cantina La Martina, My Loup, Isgro Pastries, Omar Tate of Honeysuckle Provisions, and a.kitchen+bar.

While Ito is the only Philadelphia entity nominated, two other Pennsylvania industry leaders are being honored by the James Beard Foundation as part of the foundation's Leadership Awards.

They are Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, founder and owner of Down North Pizza and Down North Foundation, and Christa Barfield, founder and chief executive officer of FarmerJawn.

Abdul-Hadi is being honored as a leader in "Industry Culture and Practices," and Barfield for "Emerging Leadership."

"In recognizing the myriad challenges of the independent restaurant industry and our broader food landscape, the James Beard Leadership Awards honorees stand as a beacon and inspiration for all of us who are committed to a more equitable and sustainable future," Lakisha May, Chair of the Leadership Awards Subcommittee, said. "We are proud to recognize the diligent efforts and dedication of this year’s honorees."

Learn more about Abdul-Hadi and Barfield's recognition online here.

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries. They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 22 categories.

Winners will be announced June 10 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.