Here are D.C.'s 2024 James Beard Award finalists
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Kevin Tien (right) at Moon Rabbit. Photo: Rey Lopez for The Washington Post via Getty Images
The James Beard Foundation just announced finalists for the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards, whittled down from the long list of semifinalists across nearly two dozen categories.
Why it matters: The Beards are a big deal—like the Oscars of the dining world—and even making it to the final round is resume-worthy.
What's new: For the first time, the reveal was held in D.C. at the Waldorf Astoria hotel downtown—part of Hilton's new sponsorship of the awards and good juju for a strong year of local finalists.
Here are our finalists:
- Outstanding Restaurateur: Hollis Wells Silverman, Eastern Point Collective (The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, The Wells, and others)
- Outstanding Chef: Michael Rafidi, Albi in Navy Yard
- Emerging Chef: Masako Morishita, Perry's in Adams Morgan
- Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit in Penn Quarter
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Tail Up Goat in Adams Morgan
- Best Chef Mid-Atlantic: Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit, and Tony Conte, Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana in Darnestown, Md.
Meanwhile, JBF also announced the Achievement Award Honorees, which recognize high-profile industry accomplishments.
- The Humanitarian Award, which recognizes "exceptional selflessness and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others and society as a whole," goes to The LEE Initiative. Founders Edward Lee (Succotash) and Lindsey Ofcacek are opening a nonprofit restaurant near Union Market soon.
Zoom out: Just outside the D.C. area, Baltimore's Clavel is a finalist for Outstanding Bar, while Harley Peet of Bas Rouge in new foodie-destination Easton is in the running for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.
Flashback: Last year, chef Rob Rubba of Shaw's vegan-esque tasting room Oyster Oyster took home the big win in the national category for Outstanding Chef.
What's next: The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony in Chicago on June 10.