Today, on April 3rd, actually right here in D.C. at the Waldorf Astoria, The James Beard Foundation, which distributes some of the most sought-after awards and acknowledgments in the U.S. food scene, announced the finalists for their 2024 James Beard Awards. From the full list of finalists, there are now only six remaining potential winners representing Washington, D.C., less than half of the 17 total chefs and restaurants that were announced as semifinalists just a few months ago.
Here are the remaining Washingtonian Chefs, Restaurateurs, and Restaurants that are still in the running for a James Beard Award this year, along with the category each one is currently being considered for:
Outstanding Restaurateur
Hollis Wells Silverman, Eastern Point Collective (The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, The Wells, and others), Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton
Michael Rafidi is the head chef and owner of Albi, a Middle Eastern restaurant located in the Navy Yards neighborhood of the capital city. With Albi often considered one of the best restaurants in the country, chef Michael Rafidi is considered a national leader when it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine, so it’s not a surprise to see him as a finalist for the 2024 ‘Outstanding Chef’ James Beard Award.
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
Masako Morishita – The head chef at Japanese restaurant Perry’s in Kalorama Triangle near Adams Morgan. This Japanese spot has been a hit for a while now and with this development, you’re going to want to visit this incredible spot, which has been affordable and accessible for so long, before it gets too hard to make a reservation or prices go up.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Susan Bae – The executive pastry chef at Moon Rabbit in Penn Quarter. She is the ace behind this hit pastries and baked goods at this incredible Vietnamese spot, which also happens to have its head chef as a finalist for a James Beard as well!
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Tail Up Goat in Adams Morgan. Along with their “outstanding” wine selection, this restaurant’s six-course dinner menu is one of the best in the city.
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Kevin Tien – The head chef atMoon Rabbit the contemporary Vietnamese restaurant in Penn Quarter, uses his cultural background and upbringing as a young chef in the southern U.S. to create modern, elevated dishes from classic Vietnamese restaurants!