OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION REGARDING THE 2020 AWARDS AND COVID-19
The James Beard Foundation is acutely aware of the health and safety concerns surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are also mindful of how this virus is negatively impacting the hospitality industry at large, both from a well-being and economic standpoint.
As such, our organization has taken the guidance of the CDC, the counsel of our legal advisors and our Board of Trustees, and has worked closely with our partners to make the decision to postpone the annual James Beard Awards to summer 2020.
The postponement includes the James Beard Media Awards (originally scheduled for Friday, April 24, in New York City), the Leadership Awards (Sunday, May 3, in Chicago), and the Restaurant & Chef Awards (Monday, May 4, in Chicago). As of now, the nominee announcement will be made on March 25 from Philadelphia as scheduled.
Of prime concern is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, nominees, and all attendees. We also recognize the responsibility of every organization and individual to do what they can to contain the spread of the virus.
We will continue to work with our partners in the coming weeks to identify new dates for all three Awards ceremonies and will work with chefs and others in the industry to navigate the complicated leadership challenges and the economic impact this pandemic may have on their businesses now and in the future. Please continue to check https://www.jamesbeard.
org/ for updated information and resources. Please refer to the CDC website for information on COVID-19 related travel, event queries, and virus prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/ travelers/faqs.html
Many Portland chefs are semifinalists for awards this year –
Best New Restaurant
Eem
Gado Gado
Outstanding Baker
Kim Boyce, Bakeshop
Outstanding Bar Program
Expatriate
Outstanding Chef
Gabriel Rucker, Le Pigeon
Outstanding Restaurant
Ha VL
Outstanding Restaurateur
Akkapong Earl Ninsom (Eem, Hat Yai, Langbaan, etc.)
Outstanding Wine Program
Canard
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Producer
Brianne Day, Day Wines, Dundee
André Hueston Mack, Maison Noir Wines, McMinnville
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific
Peter Cho, Han Oak
Gregory Gourdet, Departure
Katy Millard, Coquine
Sarah Minnick, Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Kristen Murray, MÅURICE
Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro
Naoko Tamura, Shizuku