Philadelphia Restaurant Wins James Beard Award

PHILADELPHIA — The Vietnam Restaurant in Philadelphia is one of six winners of the 2024 America’s Classics Award given to locally-owned, independent restaurants, the James Beard Foundation has announced.

Owned by Benny Lai, the restaurant at 221 N. 11th St., the restaurant was opened by his parents, Nhu Lai and Thuyen Luu, in 1984.

"From barbecue platters laden with grilled meats, stuffed grape leaves, and Philly’s crispiest spring rolls, to nước chấm–splashed vermicelli bowls, fragrant noodle soups, lemongrass stir-fries, and clay pots sizzling with caramelized pork, Vietnam’s kitchen has remained a model of consistency for decades," the James Beard Foundation wrote about the restaurant.

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Other local restaurants recognized for their high-quality food and timeless appeal are:

• Mandalay, San Francisco; currently owned by Kevin Chen
• Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge, Brookings, South Dakota; currently owned by Georgiana Olson and Michael Johnson
• Sylvia’s Restaurant, New York City, currently owned by The Woods Family
• Wade’s Restaurant, Spartanburg, South Carolina; currently owned by Hamp Lindsey, Wade Lindsey III and Anna Lindsey Liles
• Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge, Las Vegas; currently owned by Nat Carasali and Bill Paganetti

The winners of this year’s America’s Classics Awards join the ranks of more than 100 restaurants across the country that have been recognized since the category was added to the James Beard Awards in 1998. They will receive recognition at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach called America’s Classics winners “cornerstones of our communities” and “national treasures of timeless appeal that reflect the richness and diversity of our country’s food culture.”

Among the nation’s most prestigious culinary awards, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community sustainability and a culture where all can thrive. The awards celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences.

Additional announcements will be made this spring in the Chef and Restaurant Awards, including (dates may be subject to change):

• April 3: Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees and Achievement Awards, including Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year and Leadership Awards;
• April 30: Announcement of nominees for the James Beard Media Awards.