These VA, DC Restaurants And Chefs Win James Beard Nominations

Five restaurants and chefs in Virginia and Washington, D.C. 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.

Restaurant and chef nominees from Virginia and D.C. include:

• Best Chef - Mid-Atlantic: Suresh Sundas, Tapori, Washington, D.C.
• Best New Restaurant: Maison Bar à Vins, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Pastry Chef Or Baker: Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Professional In Beverage Service: Brent Kroll, Maxwell Park, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Wine And Other Beverages Program: Field & Main Restaurant, Marshall

This is the 36th year of 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 on June 14.

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

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.