Three local names have been selected as 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists. Two are restaurateurs and the third owns a popular cocktail bar in Over-the-Rhine.
Jordan Anthony-Brown, chef-owner of The Aperture, is a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category.
Wildweed co-owner David Jackman is a semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH).
Mike Stankovich, owner of Longfellow, is a semifinalist under Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Nominees will be announced on April 2, and winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on June 16.
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The James Beard Awards were created in 1990 and "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."
Camp Washington Chili holds Cincinnati's only James Beard Award. It won in the America's Classics category in 2000.
Chef Jose Salazar of Mita was a nominee for the 2024 Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH).
Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel was a nominee (2000, 2001, 2006) and semifinalist (2008, 2009, 2012, 2013) multiple times.