Shawn McKenzie loses bid for Best Pastry Chef at James Beard Awards

• She lost to Margarita Manzke of République in Los Angeles.

Why it matters: Recognition by the James Beard Awards reminds the nation that the Twin Cities has some serious restaurant game — but following Owamni's high-profile win for Best New Restaurant in 2022, we were entirely shut out this year.

• Though four Twin Cities chefs were on the shortlist for Best Chef Midwest, none made it past the semifinals, making it the first year without a Minnesotan in the category in two decades.