Here are Chicago's 5 James Beard nominees

The James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday the finalists vying for its coveted Restaurant and Chef awards, and among them are five Chicago chefs and restaurants, including first-time nominees Galit and Kumiko.
'I was just doing some cleaning and repair stuff, and then my phone started blowing up — I was like 'What's happening?!'' said Julia Momosé, Kumiko partner and creative director. 'It's really incredible. … It's just amazing.'
Kumiko, a Japanese dining bar in the West Loop, was nominated for Outstanding Bar. Momosé, who has a staff of 18, said Kumiko's first-ever semifinalist nomination in January was already a whirlwind.
'When I first opened Kumiko, awards were always one of those things that I was hopeful for, that the work we were doing would be recognized, someday — but not necessarily that we existed to win the awards,' said Momosé, who won a James Beard Foundation Media Award in 2022 for her book 'The Way of the Cocktail.' 'We just wanted to exist and simply be a reflection of the heart and dedication and care and talent and passion for hospitality and for food and for beverage.'
The James Beard Awards are considered to be among the nation's most prestigious honors for the culinary industry. This year will also commemorate the 35th anniversary of the awards and celebrate what the foundation calls the 'transformative role the awards have played in honoring culinary excellence and shaping the evolution of American food culture.'
Along with Kumiko, local finalists include Galit for Outstanding Restaurant, and three Chicago finalists in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio: Thai Dang of HaiSous; Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading; and Noah Sandoval of Oriole.
HaiSous, the Vietnamese restaurant that opened in Pilsen in 2017 and has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, has become known for its wings, crab fried rice, grilled eggplant, curries and unique takes on urban street food. Dang has been a semifinalist in the Great Lakes category four times.
Since Oriole's opening in 2016, the new American restaurant in the West Loop has earned two Michelin stars and received the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Restaurant of the Year. Sandoval is also a James Beard-nominated chef and was named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs in 2017.
Jung, a first-time James Beard Award finalist, said he felt a mix of emotions when learning of the nomination for Maxwells Trading.
'It was almost like relief, in a way, like when you follow your favorite sports team and they win a playoff game,' said Jung.
The West Loop spot is an intimately American- and Asian-influenced restaurant serving things such as griddle bread inspired by Chinese scallion pancakes, Yamagata koshihikari, suzuki tartare and Royal Milk tiramisu.
'I would be lying if I said this wasn't a dream of mine to be a finalist for a James Beard Award since I have been cooking professionally,' Jung said. 'For me, it frames everything that we've been doing and how faithful I am to my kitchen team, especially. If they didn't care as much as they did, if they didn't execute to the level that they do every day, it doesn't matter if I have cool recipes. They're crushing it. We're really lucky to have such a killer group.'
The whole team at Maxwells Trading was recently recognized in the Tribune's annual Critic's Choice Food Awards as the city's Best New Restaurant.
Wu-Bower said he also took an exhale after hearing the Beard Awards nomination news.
'We get to have a lot of fun, and (the nomination) just kind of magnifies the fun,' he said.
Michelin-starred Galit, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, is also in contention for one of the most sought-after accolades.
While Zachary Engel, executive chef of the Middle Eastern eatery serving dishes of Turkish, Iraqi, Greek and Tunisian origin, won a James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef in 2017, the nomination is a first for co-owner Andrés Clavero.
'It's truly surreal,' said Clavero, laughing that he was doing payroll when the announcement came. 'I'm not normally speechless. This is a crazy honor, and just to be nominated and in Chicago as well, hoping to make Chicago proud.'
Galit earned a Michelin star in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and was also named the 2024 Restaurant of the Year by the Jean Banchet Awards.
Last month, Lem's Bar-B-Q, a staple of the South Side's Chatham neighborhood, was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as an 'America's Classic,' which recognizes 'locally and independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal.'
The cohort of finalists was selected from a January list of semifinalists that included a total of 22 Chicago restaurants, chefs and bars. The full list of nominees and honorees can be found on the James Beard Foundation website. The winners will be announced at Chicago's Civic Opera House on June 16.
Last year, Chicago saw just one local winner at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, with Lula Cafe winning for Outstanding Hospitality.
Chicago's 2025 James Beard Award nominees:
Outstanding Bar
Originally Published: April 2, 2025 at 5:16 PM CDT

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Business Insider

an hour ago

• Business Insider

A former Disney exec says peak TV is over, and there's only so much AI can do to help

A former Disney executive said TV's golden era has passed, and even AI can't help it now. Kevin Mayer, who spent more than 14 years in leadership roles at Disney, spoke on Yahoo Finance's "Opening Bid" podcast on Friday about how television is past its peak. Mayer, who is the co-CEO and founder of Candle Media,served as the CEO of TikTok for a few months in 2020. "Content's squeezed right now, and it takes a lot of money to create great content. If you're doing traditional film and TV-length content at a high production value, it's expensive, it's getting more expensive," he told Brian Sozzi, the podcast host. "AI might be helpful there a little bit, because AI is a tool that can help increase efficiencies in creating video and storylines and everything else," he said. However, he also said there's a limit to how much AI can help the industry. "You can't really depend on AI too much," he said. "But as a tool for creative executives and creative people, I think it may it'll actually help with the efficiency, but content's squeezed." Mayer said TV peaked three to four years ago, and "there's no longer the revenue base to afford as much content as once was the case." "This is not enough money to cover that anymore, so content is definitely coming down," Mayer said. In his 14 years at Disney, Mayer was involved in the acquisitions of Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and 21st Century Fox. As the chair of Disney's direct-to-consumer and international division, he led a team that launched Disney's streaming service, Disney+, in 2019. The use of AI in film and content production is a contentious issue. In 2023, more than 11,000 Hollywood film and TV screenwriters went on strike to protest the use of AI in their industry and demand more regulation. Mayer's comments come at a difficult time for the US media industry. Traditional TV companies have for years been grappling with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, which have rendered once-essential cable TV networks obsolete. Comcast, the American mass media, telecommunications, and entertainment megaconglomerate that owns MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, and other cable TV networks, said in November that it would spin off almost all of its TV networks into a separate company.

New York Post

9 hours ago

• New York Post

WWE monitoring US-Iran situation with two Saudi Arabia shows set for next weekend

The United States' recent bombings of Iran are leaving WWE's Night of Champions event in some question. The company is scheduled to have Friday and Saturday events in Saudi Arabia, with SmackDown and the Night of Champions premium live event on back-to-back days in Riyadh. WWE officials are closely evaluating upcoming events following the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to Fightful Select. Advertisement Randy Orton in action against Sami Zayn during SmackDown at Van Andel Arena on June 20, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. WWE via Getty Images While neither event has been officially postponed or relocated, a WWE insider told Fightful that the situation is being 'monitored accordingly.' The overall concern stems largely from an official warning broadcast on Iranian state television saying 'every American citizen or military personnel in the Middle East is now on Tehran's target' following the strikes. Advertisement A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader added that any American in the region would be considered a target. Construction is underway in the Kingdom Arena, where production is proceeding 'full steam ahead,' a source told Fightful, anticipating no cancellation due to the significant investment and upcoming Royal Rumble taping also set for Saudi Arabia in January. Talent, as of now, is set to fly mid‑week by charter from the U.S. to Riyadh, with only around 10 names confirmed to travel so far, Fightful notes. John Cena speaks to CM Punk during SmackDown at Van Andel Arena on June 20, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. WWE via Getty Images Advertisement As of now, only ten wrestlers are slated to compete on Night of Champions. Night of Champions is slated to be main evented by John Cena's Undisputed WWE championship defense against CM Punk. Also on the card, Jacob Fatu will defend his United States title match against Solo Sikoa, Dominik Mysterio will defend his Intercontinental championship against AJ Styles, and the King and Queen of the Ring finals are also set to take place. Randy Orton will take on RAW's winner, either Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso, in the King of the Ring final at and Asuka will face Monday's winner, between Jade Cargill and Roxanne Perez to decide who is Queen of the Ring Advertisement The winner earn world championship matches at SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on Aug 2-3. Though decisions have yet to be made public, WWE anticipates assurances on protection and contingency options, Fightful reported WWE signed a 10-year deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2018, worth around $50 million per show and $100 million annually, according to Wrestlenomics. WWE did not immediatly return The Post's request for comment.

Time Business News

13 hours ago

• Time Business News

Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray: A Deep Dive into the Home Release of Toho's Masterpiece

Introduction 'Godzilla Minus One,' Toho's 2023 cinematic masterpiece, has become a cornerstone in the kaiju genre and a global sensation. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, this film not only revitalized the Godzilla franchise but also reintroduced the King of the Monsters in a darker, more emotionally resonant narrative. With the release of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray , fans now have the chance to experience this landmark film in stunning high definition from the comfort of their homes. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray release, exploring its features, historical context, technical details, collector's value, and why it's a must-have for kaiju enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. 1. Overview of 'Godzilla Minus One' 'Godzilla Minus One' is set in post-war Japan, taking place shortly after World War II. The country is devastated, both emotionally and economically, and then comes another catastrophe—Godzilla. Unlike the heroic or morally ambiguous portrayals in some modern iterations, this version of Godzilla is a terrifying force of nature, echoing the creature's original 1954 incarnation. The film's critical success stems from its humanistic storytelling, character development, political themes, and special effects. It blends emotional depth with sheer cinematic spectacle—qualities that translate remarkably well to the Blu-ray format. 2. Blu-ray Release Date and Availability The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray was officially released in Japan on May 1, 2024, with English subtitles included, delighting international fans. In the U.S., the physical Blu-ray arrived in stores and online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart in early June 2024. Both standard and limited collector's editions are available, with some special retailer-exclusive bonuses. Editions Available: ● Standard Blu-ray: 1080p video with DTS-HD audio, Japanese and English subtitles. ● Collector's Edition: Includes 4K Ultra HD disc, bonus features disc, art cards, steelbook packaging. ● Digital Edition: Offered via platforms like Apple TV and Vudu. 3. Technical Specifications The technical quality of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is nothing short of superb. The transfer captures every detail from the cinematic release, and in some cases, the home experience even enhances appreciation for the VFX and sound design. Video Quality: ● Resolution: 1920×1080 (Blu-ray), 3840×2160 (4K UHD) ● Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 ● HDR10 and Dolby Vision support (4K UHD) Audio: ● Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 ● English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (subtitled) ● Immersive surround sound perfectly captures monster roars and destruction sequences The colors are crisp, contrast is excellent, and dark scenes are handled with finesse—a critical element for a film that often relies on shadows and atmosphere. 4. Bonus Features Breakdown One of the major draws of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is the treasure trove of special features included, especially in the deluxe editions. These features offer insight into the making of the film and the vision behind the monster. Key Bonus Features: ● Director's Commentary: Takashi Yamazaki shares his thoughts on creative choices, VFX challenges, and thematic inspirations. ● Behind-the-Scenes Documentary: A 45-minute deep dive into the film's production, including special effects, miniatures, and on-set interviews. ● Monster Design Evolution: A segment exploring the evolution of Godzilla's design and how it pays tribute to the original 1954 creature. ● Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes ● Storyboard Comparisons ● Cast Interviews Fans and aspiring filmmakers alike will find immense value in these extras. 5. Packaging and Physical Design Aesthetics matter to collectors, and Toho has gone all out with the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray . The steelbook editions are embossed with Godzilla's monstrous silhouette, rendered in black-and-white to echo the original film's tone. Inside, fans will find: ● An exclusive fold-out poster ● Character cards featuring the main cast ● A booklet of behind-the-scenes concept art For kaiju collectors, this packaging makes the Blu-ray more than just a movie—it's a display-worthy centerpiece. 6. Why It Stands Out Among Godzilla Films The Godzilla franchise spans over 35 films, but Godzilla Minus One stands out due to its: ● Human-centric narrative: The film centers around Koichi Shikishima, a kamikaze pilot struggling with guilt, providing emotional weight rarely seen in monster movies. ● Realistic setting: Post-WWII Japan is shown with haunting authenticity. ● Return to horror roots: Godzilla is terrifying, ruthless, and symbolic. ● Modern yet practical VFX: A mix of CGI and practical effects creates visceral realism. All of this is perfectly preserved in the Blu-ray release, which has become a new benchmark for kaiju home video formats. 7. Critical Reception and Awards Upon its initial release, 'Godzilla Minus One' received widespread acclaim and was even nominated for—and won—an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The Blu-ray release capitalizes on that acclaim by delivering a pristine home viewing experience. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% IMDB Rating: 8.5/10 Metacritic: 84/100 Reviewers universally praised the Blu-ray's audio-visual fidelity and its thoughtful bonus content. 8. Audience Reactions Fans have lauded the Blu-ray on forums and social media, especially for: ● Its emotional storytelling ● Authentic Japanese audio with clear English subtitles ● The incredible visual clarity of Godzilla's destruction scenes ● The deeply immersive surround sound experience Quoting a Reddit user from r/GODZILLA: 'The Blu-ray made me cry all over again. That hospital scene in HD? Devastating. I'm so glad I bought the steelbook.' 9. Comparison to Other Godzilla Blu-rays The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray stands above other entries in the franchise's home releases. Compared to the 2016's 'Shin Godzilla' or the Legendary Pictures' MonsterVerse films like 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters,' this version offers: ● A more grounded, personal story ● Better preservation of Japanese cinematic aesthetics ● Less reliance on over-the-top CGI ● A more extensive collection of bonus content 10. A Must-Have for Collectors For collectors, the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is essential. Whether you're a casual fan, a die-hard kaiju aficionado, or a film historian, this release brings value: ● Display-worthy design ● Rare insights into Toho Studios' production ● Award-winning film preservation ● Limited edition variants that will likely increase in value Many fans are already seeing price hikes on secondary markets for exclusive editions, especially those bundled with theatrical merchandise. 11. Future of Godzilla on Blu-ray With the success of 'Godzilla Minus One,' fans can expect more premium home releases from Toho. There's already buzz around: ● A potential director's cut ● A Godzilla retrospective collection featuring all eras (Showa, Heisei, Millennium, Reiwa) ● Expanded Godzilla Minus One universe material like documentaries or spin-offs Streaming may dominate modern media consumption, but Blu-ray remains the gold standard for collectors and purists. Conclusion The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is more than just a home release—it's a cinematic event reborn in high definition. With its technical excellence, rich bonus content, and emotional storytelling, it captures everything that made the original theatrical release so memorable. For fans of monster movies, Japanese cinema, or just high-quality physical media, this Blu-ray is a must-own. Whether you're revisiting the destruction of Ginza or experiencing Koichi's journey for the first time, this release ensures that the legacy of 'Godzilla Minus One' will echo for generations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS