Chicago's James Beard nominees

Chicago will be well-represented at this year's James Beard Foundation awards. Nine local chefs and restaurants are among the nominees for the 2022 awards.

Why it matters: The James Beards are the Oscars of the food world, and the awards ceremony will be back in Chicago after going virtual during the pandemic.

🍽 Driving the news: The local nominees for national categories:

• Outstanding Chef: Jason Vincent (Giant)
• Outstanding Restaurant: Parachute
• Outstanding Baker: Maya-Camille Broussard (Justice of the Pies)
• Outstanding Bar Program: Nobody’s Darling
• Best New Restaurant: Kasama

What they're saying: "It's very flattering but I would trade it for this [Ukraine] not happening and COVID not happening," chef Jason Vincent told Axios at the Chicago Chefs Cook for Ukraine event last night.

Beverly Kim, chef/co-owner of Parachute agrees.

• "We're stunned and emotionally right on the edge with this and the pandemic and Ukraine," she told Axios.

🧑‍🍳 Zoom in: Chicago chefs also dominate the "Best Chef: Great Lakes" category, with four of the five nominees:

• Jason Hammel of Lula Cafe.
• Noah Sandoval of Oriole.
• John Shields and Karen Urie Shields of Smyth.
• Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant & Bar.

Yes, but: No local restaurateur was nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur.  

What's next: Chicago has hosted the James Beard Awards since 2015. This year's ceremony takes place June 13 at the Civic Opera House.