Semifinalists announced for 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards with nods to LA, OC

The James Beard Foundation announced its 2023 semifinalists list for the upcoming James Beard Awards later this summer including two chefs from Orange County and numerous L.A. restaurants.

The foundation recognizes restaurants, restauranteurs, chefs and food media across 23 categories, including a new category this year for Outstanding Bakery. The nominees will be announced March 29 and the awards ceremony will take place June 5.

Here is a list of the local restaurants and chefs recognized and their category:

Best chefs

Michael Reed — Poppy & Seed (Anaheim)

Carlos Salgado — Taco María (Costa Mesa)

Rocio Camacho — Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen (Bell Gardens)

Gilberto Cetina Jr. — Holbox (Los Angeles)

Brandon Hayato Go — Hayato (Los Angeles)

Andrew and Michelle Muñoz — Moo’s Craft Barbecue (Los Angeles)

Justin Pichetrungsi — Anajak Thai (Sherman Oaks)

Sarintip “Jazz” Singsanong — Jitlada (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Restaurateur

Greg Dulan — Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, and DulanVille (LosAngeles)

Outstanding Chef

Niki Nakayama — n/naka (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Restaurant

Cassia (Santa Monica)

Emerging Chef

Rashida Holmes — Bridgetown Roti (Los Angeles)

Best New Restaurant

Pijja Palace (Los Angeles)

Yangban Society (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Bakery

Friends & Family (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Margarita Manzke — République (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Hospitality 

Here’s Looking at You (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

OTOTO (Los Angeles)

Outstanding Bar

Esters Wine Shop & Bar (Santa Monica)

The full list can be found here.