Alaska Chefs, Establishments and Restaurateurs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

Updated: 10 hours ago Published: fifteen hours ago

Three Alaska chefs, a Juneau distillery, a Homer cafe and an Anchorage restaurateur have been honored as James Beard Award semifinalists.

The James Beard Foundation, which announced its Restaurant and Chef Award 2024 semifinalists on Wednesday, is among the biggest names in the culinary and hospitality industry. The awards were established in 1990 to recognize outstanding talent and achievement in the world of food, from the culinary arts and hospitality to the media.

Three Alaska chefs were named semifinalists in the category of Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.

Beau Schooler, who operates the Juneau restaurant In Bocca Al LupoHe was nominated (finalist) in the category in 2023.

This year he was joined by a pair of Anchorage chefs: Nathan Bentley at Altura Bistro and Michael Dodge in Whiskey and ramen.

(2023: 3 Alaska chefs and restaurateurs nominated for James Beard Awards)

Laile Fairbairn Locally Grown Restaurants, which operates Anchorage restaurants Snow City Cafe, South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar and Spenard Roadhouse, was named a semifinalist in the Outstanding Restaurateur category. Fairbairn was also a semi-finalist in 2023.

Café La Baleineat the Homer Spit, he was named a semi-finalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category.

juneau Amalga Distilleryspecialized in gin and whiskey, it is a semi-finalist in the Featured Bar category.

The 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards include 22 categories in total, also covering bakeries and wine and beverage service.

James Beard Award nominees will be announced on April 3 and winners will be revealed on June 10, according to the foundation.