Bryce Bonsack will return to Tampa Bay empty handed, but his nomination was a high honor in itself. Photo: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for the James Beard Foundation
Chef Bryce Bonsacklost out at the James Beard Awards last night, after being named a finalist for the culinary equivalent of an Oscar.
Why it matters: The Beards are considered the American hospitality industry's highest honor, conveying prestige to chefs across the country and the communities they serve.
Driving the news: Bonsack, the owner of Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Rocca, was topped in the Best Chef: South category by Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA in New Orleans.
The South region covers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico. The nominees included two chefs from New Orleans, plus finalists from Jacksonville and Rogers, Arkansas.
Flashback: Bern's Steakhouse has Tampa Bay's only Beard Awards, winning in 1992 for Outstanding Wine Service and 2016 for Outstanding Wine Program.
Even being named a semifinalist was enough for Bonsack to break a years-long drought for the region. He was named a finalist in March.
