3 New Jersey Restaurants & Chefs Were Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists.

Yesterday, I was very excited to hear that 3 New Jersey restaurants and chefs were named 2024 James Beard semifinalists.

Receiving a James Beard Foundation award is the equivalent of getting an Oscar in the food world.

It is without a doubt one of the most prestigious culinary honors a chef or restaurant can receive.

You know how much I pay attention to local eateries and the people who run them. I love to shine the spotlight on those hardworking folks who create amazing meals across the state and local communities.

Everything from upscale eateries, to diners, to dives are on my radar, thanks to my connection to all the foodie friends I’ve made on social media pages and message boards.

I also dig scouting out places on my own, and when I find a winner, I let everyone know about it via word of mouth, or in one of my blogs at wrat.com.

Established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991, the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards are one of five separate recognition programs of the James Beard Awards. The awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

According to the Patch, categories include outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, emerging chef, best new restaurant, outstanding bakery, outstanding pastry chef or baker, outstanding hospitality, outstanding wine and other beverages program, outstanding bar, and best chef.

It’s thrilling to see chefs I’m familiar with and restaurants I’ve eaten at get the recognition they deserve.

Lita in Aberdeen Township. They serve modern Iberian Cuisine and opened in the Spring of 2023. Lita is also the third restaurant from Neilly Robinson and Chef David Viana, the owners of beloved local restaurant Heirloom Kitchen on Rt. 516 in Old Bridge.

Dane DeMarco of Gass & Main, Haddonfield

Nur-E Gulshan Rahman of Korai Kitchen, Jersey City

Dane DeMarco is one of the most innovative chefs in the state. My foodie friend and creator of the South Jersey Food Scene Facebook page, Marilyn Johnson, has not only eaten at Gass & Main, but she’s also met Dane DeMarco.

Congratulations to all the semi-finalists.