Apr 2, 2025 - Food and Drink

See New Orleans' only James Beard nominee for 2025

Chelsea Brasted

A woman stands behind a pastry case and smiles at the camera. — Kaitlin Guerin opened Lagniappe Bakehouse in Central City last year. She's a James Beard nominee for Best New Chef. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios

Pastry chef Kaitlin Guerin is New Orleans' sole James Beard Award nominee after the city had 13 chefs and restaurants among the foundation's list of semifinalists.

Why it matters: This is yet another way for restaurants and chefs to get their flowers.

Catch up quick: The awards are often referred to as "the Oscars" of the hospitality industry.

Zoom in: With her partner Lino Asana, Guerin opened Lagniappe Bakehouse in Central City last year, though she'd been baking in New Orleans longer than that with her similarly pop-up.

Her baking, which has already garnered national attention, is all about connecting Southern food heritage and African culture through perfect technique.
"We're here to highlight local, seasonal bounty, what is fresh, what's available right now, with a focus on Southern food ways and West African ingredients," she previously told Axios New Orleans.

What's next: Winners will be announced during a big ceremony in Chicago on June 16.

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See New Orleans' only James Beard nominee for 2025

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