A history of James Beard winners and semifinalists in Indy
There are 38 Indy James Beard Award winners and semifinalists from years past — let’s get to know them a little bit ahead of the 2024 awards. The newest cycle of James Beard Award finalists has revealed, with no finalists being announced this time. This marks a significant increase in the number of Indianapolis chefs and institutions that have made the cut. Since the James Beard Foundation started awarding awards in 1991, only one winner has been from St. Elmo's Steak House. Since 2010, nine local chefs have been honored as Best Chefs semifinalists, many of them repeat. Restaurants such as Cafe Patachou, Napolese Pizzeria, Public Greens, and the late Apocalypse Burger have also been recognized six times as Outstanding Restaurateur.
Published : 2 months ago by Laura Figi, Shea Stapley in Lifestyle
The newest cycle of James Beard Award finalists dropped yesterday, and while no Indy finalists were named this time, we’re still reminded how lucky we are to live in a foodie city. Let’s take a look at past James Beard Award cycles and how many Indianapolis chefs and institutions have made the cut.
Indy has only had one winner since the James Beard Foundation started handing out awards in 1991: St. Elmo’s Steak House, which won in the America’s Classics category in 2012. The America’s Classics Award, established in 1998, is “given to locally-owned restaurants that serve quality food, have timeless appeal, and reflect the character of their communities.”
Since 2010, nine local chefs have been honored as Best Chefs semifinalists, many of them on repeat occasions — and we’re excited to see what the future holds. Just last month, two-time Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist Alan Sternberg replaced James Beard veteran Abbi Merriss at Bluebeard’s helm.
Restaurateur Martha Hoover, the force behind Cafe Patachou, Napolese Pizzeria, Public Greens, and the late Apocalypse Burger, has also been recognized an astounding six times as an Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalist.
Three restaurants have been named semifinalists in different categories: Love Handle, Beholder, and Bluebeard. All are still open (lucky for us).
Here’s a full list of every James Beard semifinalist in Indianapolis:
Topics: Food & Drink