Several Columbia restaurants, chefs in the running for prestigious Beard culinary awards
The Columbia dining scene made a splash Wednesday, as several capital city chefs and entities were announced as being in the running for some of the most sought-after awards in the culinary world.
The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the semifinalists for its annual restaurant and chef awards. Founded in 1990, the Beard Awards are among the most coveted and prestigious on the national restaurant scene. Per a Wednesday release, the James Beard Awards “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.”
Columbia-based entities were named semifinalists in three categories. Per the release, nominees will be announced in late March and the awards will be presented in June.
In the category of Outstanding Restaurateur, the City Grit Hospitality Group, which is headed by Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons and Elie Yigo and includes restaurants City Grit, il Focolare and smallSUGAR, was named a semifinalist. Per the Beard Foundation release, the category honors a restaurateur who “uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community.”
Meanwhile, Main Street wine parlor Lula Drake is a semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category. Per the release, that category will honor “a restaurant, bar or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.”
And in the category of Best Chef - Southeast, Jessica Shillato of Spotted Salamander Cafe and Catering is a semifinalist. Those honors, awarded regionally, recognize “chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions.”
There are three other Beard semi-finalists from South Carolina. Bernard Bennett, of Okan in Bluffton, is a semi-finalist for Emerging Chef. Meanwhile, Dano Heinze of Vern’s in Charleston and Dayna Lee-Marquez of Comal 864 in Greenville are semi-finalists for Best Chef - Southeast.
This story was originally published January 25, 2023 at 12:31 PM.
