The start of May would’ve seen the 30th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, but instead, we’re celebrating the release of the nominees this week virtually as the foundation pivots to helping restaurants in need. Over the years, New Orleans restaurants and chefs have dominated these awards, which celebrate excellence in the food and dining, beverage, and hospitality industry both nationally and worldwide. Let’s raise a glass to our local bakery, our favorite chefs, and the restaurants we can’t wait to dine in again. Here’s a look at the New Orleans restaurants, chefs, bakers, restaurateurs, and journalists nominated for the 2020 James Beard Awards.

Gianna Restaurant
Chris Granger
Gianna Restaurant

Restaurant & Chef Category

Best New Restaurant

Gianna

Outstanding Baker

Graison Gill
Bellegarde Bakery

Outstanding Chef

Donald Link
Herbsaint

Outstanding Hospitality

Brigtsen's

Outstanding Restauranteur

JoAnn Clevenger
Upperline Restaurant

Outstanding Wine Program

Bacchanal

Chef Isaac Toups
Denny Culbert, Toups Meatery
Chef Isaac Toups
Best Chef: South

Michael Gulotta
Maypop

Mason Hereford
Turkey and the Wolf

Isaac Toups
Toups' Meatery

Media Category 

Audio Reporting

Gravy – Mahalia Jackson’s Glori-Fried Chicken
Reporter: Betsy Shepherd
Airs on: southernfoodways.org and iTunes

The 2020 James Beard Award winners in the Media category were announced on Wednesday, May 27. Winners in the restaurant & chef category will not be announced this year.