James Beard Awards announce 2025 nominees (and SoCal has five)

The James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef award nominees for 2025 are out, and five L.A. and O.

C. eateries have been recognized in their categories. James Beard finalists in L.



A. and O.C.

are: Best Chef: (in California) - Daniel Castillo from Heritage Barbeque in San Juan Capistrano - Jon Yao Kato, from Kato in DTLA Outstanding Professional in Cocktail service: (Nationwide) - Tobin Shea, Redbird in DTLA Outstanding Bakery: (Nationwide) - Gusto , Long Beach Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: (Nationwide) - Strong Water , Anaheim From this finalist list, winners from each category will be picked and announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 16. Last year, the best chef in California was awarded to Lord Maynard Llera, owner of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles. To see the complete list, visit the James Beard website .

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