Overview

• The ceremony, marking the awards’ 35th year, was held at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House and livestreamed to audiences nationwide.
• Julia Momose accepted Outstanding Bar honors for Kumiko and used her speech to spotlight the essential role of immigrant workers in hospitality.
• Noah Sandoval of Oriole claimed Best Chef: Great Lakes, giving Chicago two major wins from five regional finalists.
• Philadelphia’s Phila Lorn earned the Emerging Chef award for her Cambodian-inspired cuisine at Mawn.
• Lem’s Bar-B-Q was named an America’s Classic, and the foundation underscored its commitment to greater diversity and ethical practices in future awards.