These RI Restaurants And Chefs Win James Beard Nominations

Two restaurants and chefs are advancing in the prestigious James Beard Foundation culinary awards program, according to an announcement Tuesday.

Often called “the Oscars of the culinary arts,” the annual James Beard Awards recognize chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, critics and journalists. Honorees for achievement awards — Humanitarian of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Impact Awards — were also announced Tuesday.

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Restaurant and chef nominees from Rhode Island include:

• Loma in Providence
• Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway in Providence

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This is the 36th year for the James Beard Awards, which were created in 1990 to honor exceptional achievement across a wide spectrum of dining experiences, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries.

The Restaurant and Chef Award winners will be announced Monday, June 15, at Lyric Opera House in Chicago. Media awards will be presented on June 13, and Impact Awards will be presented on June 14.

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Previously announced America’s Classics awards went to restaurants in California, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

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These independently owned restaurants “reflect local character and cultural traditions and serve as an enduring anchor for their communities by serving delicious food across many years,” according to the James Beard Foundation.

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