Chicago's 2024 James Beard Award Nominees

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The 2024 nominees for the James Beard Awards, the American food industry's biggest honors, have been announced. Four Chicago restaurants and chefs are among them, winnowed from seventeen semifinalists. While Chicago had more semifinalists this year than in recent years, the city is down one nominee from last year's five. Winners will be announced in Chicago at the Lyric Opera , where the awards ceremony has taken place for years, on Monday, June 10. Last year, Chicago had two winners. 

Here are Chicago's nominees.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Anna Posey, Elske - The Danish-influenced Elske in the West Loop offers a lower-key tasting menu and a la carte options that have won acclaim for both Anna and David Posey.

Outstanding Hospitality

Lula Cafe - Jason Hammel's seasonal produce-centered Logan Square restaurant celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, a remarkable span of longevity for any restaurant. Hammel published a cookbook looking back on favorite recipes last year; we spoke to him about his career.

Best Chef: Great Lakes

Sujan Sarkar, Indienne - Indienne serves a vibrant Indian tasting menu in River North, and was named Best New Restaurant at this year's Jean Banchet Awards, which honor Chicago's food industry. 

Jenner Tomaska, Esmé - Tomaska first gained acclaim with the Alinea Group before opening Esmé in Lincoln Park, where the whole restaurant changes along with its menu and spotlights artists, as well as an infamous housemade Cheeto. We profiled beverage director Tia Barrett last year.