The Beard Foundation has announced its 2024 finalists and we’re so proud that Dallas has THREE chefs making the list! We’re highlighting them so you can give these places, their chefs, and their teams a huge congratulations!
Updated April 2024
THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
If not familiar, the Foundation recognizes “exceptional talent and achievement” in the culinary arts, hospitality, and beyond. It’s the highest culinary award in the States, often equated to the Oscars of food! The finalists across the 22 categories were announced last week and will be celebrated at the awards ceremony on June 10th at the Lyric Opera of Chicago!
P.S. Did you know Dallas hasn’t won a James Beard Award in 30 years?! The last one was Dean Fearing in 1994!
2024 DFW SEMIFINALISTS
OUTSTANDING CHEF: David Uygur of Lucia
Chef David Uygur’s Italian restaurant in Bishop Arts remains one of the hardest reservations to snag in the city, and for good reason. With 5 James Beard nods and dozens of local awards, Lucia is a gem serving up Italian-inspired dishes with a frequently rotating menu, handmade pasta, house-cured salumi, and more.
Bishop Arts | Directions
OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY: Gemma
Gemma is a local neighborhood bistro on Henderson Ave that offers amazing comfort food inspired by France and Italy. For more than a decade, it has been a Dallas favorite and has received dozens of well-earned accolades. They recently remodeled, but their delicious seasonal menus and dishes remain… including their amazing braised-rabbit pappardelle!
Henderson | Directions
BEST CHEF (TEXAS): Misti Norris of Petra & The Beast
Honed in impressive Dallas kitchens like Anthony Bombaci’s Nana, David Uygur’s Lucia, and Matt McCallister’s FT33, Chef Misti Norris learned the basics of whole-animal butchery and sustainability. Now, her philosophy is “farm, forage, fermentation, fire,” something you can smell, see, and taste at Petra and the Beast. Definitely a must visit in east Dallas!
East Dallas | Directions
Congratulations again to Chef David Uygur, Chef Misti Norris, and Gemma, and congrats again to all the semi-finalists and nominees! Our fingers are crossed for y’all in June! Let’s go Dallas!
