James Beard semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation has released the list of semifinalists for awards in national and regional categories. Many in the restaurant world consider this to be the Academy Awards for their industry. Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories. In celebration of the Awards’ 35th anniversary, as well as in recognition of the ever-evolving independent restaurant landscape, the award program has expanded with a focus on beverages, introducing three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Of local interest, the Foundation’s committee has named the following semifinalists from the state of Michigan: Outstanding Restaurant — Selden Standard, Detroit; Best New Restaurant — Vecino, Detroit; Outstanding Bakery — Secret Bakery, Ferndale; Outstanding Hospitality — Baobab Fare, Detroit; Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program — Spencer, Ann Arbor; Best Chefs Great Lakes — Javier Bardauil, Barda, Detroit; Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson, The Cooks’ House, Traverse City; Missy Corey, Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions, Saugatuck; Ji Hye Kim, Miss Kim, Ann Arbor; and John Yelinek, Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Detroit. jamesbeard.org